Since ancient times, history has recorded the deeds of women in maritime activity. From Artemisia, Queen of Halicarnassus to today, women have commanded ships and fleets, manned lighthouses and rescued others in peril. Even pirates include a woman captain in their numbers.

The first recorded mention of women and the sea comes from nearly 500 years before the birth of Christ, when an admiral queen fought on the side of the Persians against the Greeks at the Battle of Salamis. Before that, however, there are myths and legends of creatures that were half woman and half fish or bird - the mermaids and sirens.

Coming forward over the centuries we find countless tales of women and the sea and women against the sea. Like their male counterparts, women have gone down to the sea in ships, commanded ships, piloted ships in confined waters and pitted their physical and mental capabilities against the sea in ocean-going yachts and rowing boats.

These days, a very large number of women are following successful careers at sea in warships and merchant ships of all nations.

This display tells the story and highlights the roles of women who have gone to sea.