Webb Institute

The Webb Institute is a specialized private college in Glen Cove, New York that has only one program, which is undergraduate. Each graduate of Webb Institute earns a Bachelor of Science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering.

History

The Webb Institute of Naval Architecture was founded in 1889 by industrialist William Henry Webb, who had established his career as a preeminent shipbuilder in the 19th century. He recognized the increasing role of science and engineering in the field of ship design, which had long been seen as more of an art form. Webb felt that the ship designers of tomorrow would need to be skilled in structural and mechanical engineering, and other scientific disciplines. Since its first graduating class in 1893, Webb Institute has continued the legacy of William H. Webb and established itself as one of the world's leading educational institutions specializing in naval architecture and marine engineering.

Founding and early history

On April 2, 1889, Governor David B. Hill signed the bill previously passed by the New York State Legislature incorporating Webb's Academy and Home for Shipbulders as a non-profit institution, provided by Webb with an endowment presumed to be sufficient to allow the institution to be self-supporting in perpetuity. It was intended to serve not only as an educational institution for future naval architects, but also as a retirement home for aged shipbuilders.

Webb commissioned New York architect Arthur P. Jennings to design a building for the institution to be built of land on a bluff overlooking the Harlem and Hudson Rivers in the Bronx. Construction commenced in 1890 and was completed in 1893. The building was designed in the popular Romanesque style and was built of New York brownstone, and was intended to be "a romantic version of a medieval castle", with turrets, fanciful carving, and other flourishes. For 50 years, this facility would foster the development of Webb Institute.

During World War II, the institute was closely associated with the US Navy as a training center for naval officers.

The Webb Institute is a specialized private college in Glen Cove, New York that has only one program, which is undergraduate. Each graduate of Webb Institute earns a Bachelor of Science degree in naval architecture and marine engineering.

History

The Webb Institute of Naval Architecture was founded in 1889 by industrialist William Henry Webb, who had established his career as a preeminent shipbuilder in the 19th century. He recognized the increasing role of science and engineering in the field of ship design, which had long been seen as more of an art form. Webb felt that the ship designers of tomorrow would need to be skilled in structural and mechanical engineering, and other scientific disciplines. Since its first graduating class in 1893, Webb Institute has continued the legacy of William H. Webb and established itself as one of the world's leading educational institutions specializing in naval architecture and marine engineering.