6th Grader Inspired by Submarine Turtle Inventor David Bushnell

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- David Bushnell, the inventor of the world's first functioning submarine, the American Turtle, is still educating young minds despite his passing more than 185 years ago.

Camden Archambeau, a sixth grade student from Weston, Conn., inspired by the accomplishments of Bushnell, is applying the lessons he has learned about this historical figure and his contributions to the submarine force by visiting the Naval Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton. He not only wants to speak with staff members about the Turtle, but also plans to observe the replica on display to complete a historical documentary.

Archambeau and his mother Erika's visit to the museum, was the last step in the process of completing a documentary about the Turtle for the 2013 History Day State Competition scheduled for April 27. Archambeau's entry is centered on the theme "Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, and Events."

"For me David Bushnell's American Turtle has been a great subject to research because I have learned so much about major wars, the importance of submarines in naval history and their Connecticut roots," said Archambeau. "To me, The American Turtle was an amazing turning point in history. Now I have to convince the judges."

Archambeau's project, "An Effort of Genius - The Turtle" has already won the Connecticut District level competition in the Junior Individual Documentary category, which enabled him to compete on a statewide level.

"The surprise for us was how Camden's research tied together basic school subjects of History, Writing, English, and Math. Camden's freedom to explore took him to studies beyond the typical sixth-grade classroom including communications, media technology, physics, engineering, manufacturing and even global naval warfare," said Erika. "All of that in one history project."

Liz Murphy, educational specialist, Naval Submarine Force Library and Museum spoke with Archambeau about the Turtle assisting the budding scientist with his project.

"It was a pleasure meeting Camden and helping any way possible with his project," said Murphy. "On a daily basis we have students visit the museum to learn more about the submarine force's contributions to science, technology, engineering and math. Camden's project is really an inspiration for other students to pursue in the future."

Archambeau's mother Erika added that her son has had an interest in science and nature from a very young age.

"We are thrilled to see Camden's exploration of Bushnell's American Turtle lead to this visit with members of the U.S. Navy and staff members of the Naval Submarine Force Museum," said Erika. "We are also so proud of Camden's achievement on 'the American Turtle' and look forward to the Connecticut State History Day Competition this month in Hartford. This has been an amazing history lesson for a sixth grader and his parents."

Erika added that she was surprised to see what was once considered as a simple history project has developed into so much more for her son and is inspired by what he is learning.

"What started as a simple Connecticut National History Day project turned into a study of submarine technology, engineering and manufacturing at General Dynamics Electric Boat, major wars and their leaders from the American Revolution to today's evolving strategies and dominance in global naval warfare," said Erika.

David Bushnell's Turtle, built in 1775, was intended to break the British naval blockade of New York harbor during the American Revolution. Turtle was powered by a hand-driven propeller. The operator would submerge under the target, and using a screw projecting from the top of Turtle, he would attach a clock-detonated explosive charge.

History Day in Connecticut is a program for students in grades 6-12 that encourages them to explore local, state, national, and world history. After selecting a historical topic that relates to an annual theme, students conduct extensive research using libraries, archives, museums, and oral history interviews. They analyze and interpret their findings, draw conclusions about their topics' significance in history, and create final projects that present their work. These projects can be entered into a series of competitions, from the local to the national level, where professional historians and educators evaluate them.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/.