Winter Lecture- Commodore Matthew C. Perry: Sailor, Diplomat, Naval Educator

This presentation will discuss Commodore Matthew Perry’s early accomplishments in 1820-30s at sea fighting piracy, claiming Key West for the U.S.A., repatriating free slaves to Africa, and repressing illegal slave trade. His leadership with naval steam power and commanding first steam-powered ships, including during the Mexican War and the expedition to Japan, where his successful Treaty of Peace and Amity ended over 200 years of isolation by Japan.

Presenter: Dr. Matthew C. Perry | Scientist Emeritus
Dr. Matthew C. Perry is originally from Rhode Island, where as a child he obtained an early interest in his ancestor, Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who negotiated a treaty of peace and amity between Japan and the United States in 1854. After graduating from college in 1963, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard a ship in the western Pacific Ocean and was involved with the first two amphibious landings in Vietnam. His ship made two memorable trips to Japan for rest and relaxation. After four years of military service he began a career in wildlife management and research, including 40 years at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland