Navy Cakes: A Slice of History, a new year-long exhibition that explores the role of cakes in boosting morale on board the Museum’s two naval vessels, the aircraft carrier Intrepid and the submarine Growler, will open at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Thursday, October 11. Featuring photographs, recipes, artifacts, oral histories and other materials from the Museum’s collections, the exhibition will use cakes as a lens to explore the day-to-day experiences of the men who created—and consumed—these elaborate confections.

“Cakes were a traditional and beloved part of celebrations on board Intrepid and Growler,” said Elaine Charnov, the Museum’s senior vice president, exhibits, education and programming. “These stories help personalize and humanize the experience of our former crewmembers, and shine a light on the innovation and ingenuity it took to feed thousands of people.”

Each cake reflected the hard work and creativity of the commissarymen, who had the job of creating cakes that, in some cases, weighed 1,000 pounds and fed 3,000 people. Life on board a U.S. Navy vessel at sea quickly fell into a predictable routine and during wartime, the stress of combat took a heavy toll. Cake offered crew members a sweet treat at the end of a long, hard day and provided a much-needed respite. On special occasions, large, festive cakes brought the crew together in celebration of what they accomplished and in recognition of what they endured. Each confection was the product of a small team of hardworking sailors who worked night and day to keep their shipmates well fed.

Navy Cakes: A Slice of History is made possible by a grant from the Navy Supply Corps Foundation.

Admittance to Navy Cakes: A Slice of History is free with the price of admission to the Museum.

For more information, please visit https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/navy-cakes

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About the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a nonprofit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world’s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine. Through exhibitions, educational programming and the foremost collection of technologically groundbreaking aircraft and vessels, visitors of all ages and abilities are taken on an interactive journey through history to learn about American innovation and bravery.

The Intrepid Museum fulfills its mission to honor our heroes, educate the public and inspire our youth by connecting them to history through hands-on exploration while bridging the future by inspiring innovation.

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About Navy Supply Corps Foundation
The Navy Supply Corps Foundation is a non-profit, philanthropic and social organization whose membership is made up of every person who has ever “worn the Oakleaf,” which includes active duty, reserve, retired and prior service United States Navy Supply Corps officers. The Foundation perpetuates the values, traditions and history of the Supply Corps throughout the lives of its members and provides services and programs, related to recruiting, training and development, transition, recognition, financial support and commemoration, to our members and their families. The Foundation is governed by a mostly-volunteer Board of Directors and includes 38 Chapters around the globe. Activities of the Foundation are centered in our local Chapters–the strength of the Navy Supply Corps Foundation–offering support and camaraderie to the Supply Corps Community.