Grohman surfacing from a research dive in local waters. On Thursday, February 16th, maritime historian, scuba diver, and author Adam Grohman will submerge into history with his presentation "Presidential Plunge." The event, sponsored by the Americanism & Cultural Events Committee of the Community Club of Garden City and Hempstead, will explore President Theodore Roosevelt's historic submarine voyage aboard the U.S.S. Plunger in August 1905 and the president's life-long support and legacy in relation to the U.S. Navy. The lecture, which is free to members, will be held at the Garden City Casino, located at 51 Cathedral Avenue, in Garden City starting at 1:30 PM. Guests are welcome to attend at a fee of $5.

"President Roosevelt's voyage beneath the waters of the Long Island Sound ushered in a new era for the submarine service. With firsthand knowledge of the intricacies of the boat and the dangers that the men faced, Roosevelt ensured that the submariners would receive additional pay and support. The presentation also brings to the surface how Roosevelt supported the U.S. Navy in a host of capacities throughout his life and how the residual ripples of his leadership continue to be felt on foreign shores even to this day," Grohman explained.

Cover of Presidential Plunge "I am honored to return this year to meet with the wonderful members of the Community Club. Last year, we dove into a host of shipwrecks and maritime tragedies that occurred in our waters in a presentation titled, Claimed by the Sea - Long Island Shipwrecks. When the group's leadership asked me back, I couldn't wait to sign on." Also discussed will be the myriad efforts of Grohman and his team of researchers and divers including the search for a World War II aircraft lost in local waters and his most recent publication

Sentinels and Saviors of the Seas - A Collection of United States Coast Guard History.

Regarding the multiple efforts of the society, Grohman explained that "the purpose of the Underwater Historical Research Society is to Research, Identify and Educate. It is always a pleasure to highlight our research findings with the public at events such as the one planned for February 16th and to foster an interest in the community's rich maritime history. As this is an election year, the ability to take a Presidential Plunge into an interesting aspect of presidential history is a neat opportunity." For more information about local diving, maritime history and the Underwater Historical Research Society please visit www.uhrs.org. Copies of various research publications will be available for purchase at the event. For more information about the Community Club, feel free to call 516- 746-0488.