A historic artifact, the 80-pound brass bell from the USS Jacob Jones, which sunk during World War I, has been returned to the United States after being discovered by expert divers. The bell was fixed to the warship and went down with it when the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine in December 1917. Out of the 7 officers and 103 crew members on board, 64 lost their lives, making it the first U.S. Navy destroyer sunk by enemy fire. The bell was found around 400 feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of England, and was recovered by the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s Salvage and Marine Operations unit in January 2024.
The symbolic transfer of the bell from the British Royal Navy to the U.S. Navy took place at Lancaster House in London, where U.S. Navy Adm. James Kilby received it on behalf of the country. The ceremony commemorated the sailors who died on the USS Jacob Jones and highlighted their sacrifice in defending the freedom of the nation. The bell will undergo conservation treatment at the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command’s Conservation, Research, and Archaeology Laboratory before being exhibited at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C. The goal of the conservation effort is to prepare the bell for long-term curation and display, offering the public a tangible way to connect with and learn about the history of the USS Jacob Jones and the U.S. Navy’s role in World War I.
The discovery and recovery of the bell from the USS Jacob Jones represent a significant step in preserving the history of the shipwreck and honoring the sailors who served on board. The partnership between the U.S. Navy and the U.K. Ministry of Defence in salvaging the historic artifact demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in protecting maritime heritage. The bell serves as a potent reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, and its exhibition at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy will allow the public to engage with and learn from this important piece of history.
The USS Jacob Jones bell’s return to the United States marks a momentous occasion for the preservation and exhibition of shipwreck artifacts. The bell’s journey from the wreck site to the conservation treatment facility to its eventual display at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy showcases the meticulous efforts undertaken to ensure the artifact’s protection and accessibility to the public. The bell’s role in commemorating the sailors who lost their lives on the USS Jacob Jones underscores the significance of preserving maritime history and honoring the sacrifices made by military personnel in defense of their country. The bell’s conservation and exhibition will provide a meaningful way for future generations to connect with and learn about this important chapter in U.S. naval history.
The recovery and conservation of the USS Jacob Jones bell demonstrate the potential for technology to advance our understanding of shipwrecks and maritime heritage. Expert divers utilizing modern equipment were able to locate and salvage the bell from the ocean floor, showcasing the capabilities of contemporary maritime archaeology. The collaboration between the U.S. Navy and the U.K. Ministry of Defence in studying the wreck site and recovering the bell exemplifies the benefits of international partnerships in preserving underwater cultural heritage. The bell’s conservation treatment and eventual exhibition will utilize cutting-edge techniques to ensure its long-term preservation, providing a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and the general public interested in learning about the USS Jacob Jones and its significance in naval history. Through the use of technology, we can unlock the mysteries of shipwrecks and gain a deeper appreciation for the stories they tell about the past.
