According to a release, the Boston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has returned a variety of historical artifacts and records belonging to the USS Massachusetts (BB-59), a decommissioned World War II battleship, affectionately known by her crew as ‘Big Mamie,’ that is now a floating museum at Battleship Cove in Fall River.
The FBI returned nine items, including a folder labeled ‘Plan of the Day for 1942’ – containing a historically significant set of documents that provides a rare glimpse into the Navy’s operational planning during World War II; a rusted metal crate labeled “Missile Hazards Within,” and a First Lieutenant’s Damage Control Book detailing the exact engineering and structural specifications required to keep the battleship afloat and combat-ready.
Believed to be missing for three decades, the recovery of these treasures was made possible thanks to a family in Texas, who, after finding them among their late father’s personal possessions in a storage unit, chose to voluntarily relinquish them. Their late father worked on refurbishing the ship in the 1990s.
“These are enduring pieces of our nation’s history that reflect the courage, sacrifice, and service of the sailors who served aboard ‘Big Mamie.’ Their recovery ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to better understand the legacy of those who defended our freedom during history’s most devastating and defining conflict,” said Ted. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “My sincere thanks to this family for their honesty, cooperation, and commitment to preserving history. This case also highlights the vital role the public plays in identifying and reporting missing and stolen artifacts.”
FBI Boston initiated its investigation last year after the Fall River Police Department contacted the Bureau on behalf of the museum’s curator, who was alerted by some of the museum’s volunteers that several of the missing items were featured in a social media post. The FBI conducted a logical investigation, worked with the FBI’s Dallas Field Office to secure the items, and was able to authenticate them.
“We are very grateful to the FBI for their invaluable assistance in bringing these historic artifacts home to Battleship Massachusetts,” said Christopher Nardi, Chief Operating Officer of Battleship Cove.
Photos of the recovered artifacts can be viewed and downloaded at fbi.gov/USSMassachusettsArtifacts.
The FBI’s Art Crime Team is composed of special agents and personnel uniquely trained in art and cultural property investigations throughout the Bureau. Since its inception, the team has recovered more than 20,000 items worth more than $1 billion. For more information, visit fbi.gov/artcrime.
