Lloyd Bergeson (1917-2007) graduated from MIT’s naval architecture program in 1938. Adept at both ship design and industrial management, Bergeson became an executive at several major shipyards, including General Dynamics’ Quincy Shipbuilding Division in Massachusetts, Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi, and Electric Boat in New London, Connecticut. In these roles, he led the design and construction of major new classes of ships, including nuclear submarines and liquid natural gas tankers. In 1978, as a response to high fuel prices and global warming, Bergeson founded the Windship Development Corporation, which aimed to develop viable sail-powered cargo ships. Bergeson was also an avid yachtsman, sailing and racing Herreshoff designs.

The Lloyd Bergeson collection contains papers and plans spanning Bergeson’s shipbuilding career. The bulk of the material is from the Windship Development Corporation, including research reports, technical records, and business papers. There are also plans and drawings for sail technology designed for various Windship projects. The remaining material is primarily archival, and relates to Bergeson’s work at Quincy, Electric Boat, and Philadelphia’s Cramp Shipbuilding.

Title: Lloyd Bergeson Papers

Creator: Lloyd Bergeson

Dates: circa 1940 - 1996

Extent: 36 linear feet and 4 oversize drawers

Language: English

Repository: MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collection

Access: Open for research by appointment

Copyright: Some copyright restrictions may apply

Credit: Hart Nautical Collection, MIT Museum

See more detail in the Lloyd Bergeson Papers Finding Aid