August 2016


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The Hampton Roads Messenger 9


Alan Dean: Rising Above Bias Exhibit at Nauticus honors groundbreaking officer


Norfolk, Va. – Nauticus has brought to life the story of Alan Paul Dean, Sr., in an inspiring new exhibit, Alan Dean: Rising Above Bias, which opened July 22.


Dean, who served as an Ensign on the Battleship Wisconsin from 1951 to 1953, was one of only six commissioned black officers on active duty at that time. He was the first African-American officer to serve on the ship. “It has been an absolute honor to tell Alan Dean’s story of how he overcame adversity and racial bias in a time when discrimination was so strong around the


nation,” said Scott Abrams, the Nauticus educator who curated the exhibit. “He was truly a man ahead of his time, who led the way forward with his exceptional attitude and strength of spirit.” Alan Dean: Rising Above Bias highlights and celebrates Dean’s military accomplishments and service during his tenure onboard the Wisconsin. He chroni- cled his history-making service in an article that appeared in the February, 2007 issue of Naval History magazine. “I am so moved by the level of passion and care Nauticus has taken with telling my father’s story,” said Michaela Huelbig, Dean’s daughter. “I believe my


father, who was such a humble man, would have been quite embarrassed that such a fuss was being made about him. He was the first to remind people of their wonderful attributes and gifts to others. It is so nice to see his amazing attributes highlighted on the USS Wisconsin, a ship that he held so close to his heart.” The exhibit, which is included in regular Nauticus admission, was installed in the Wisconsin’s Wardroom in the area previously dedicated to the exhibit For


All Those in Uniform Who Have Served. That exhibit payed tribute to the armed forces and recognized the military career and service of Senator John W. Warner, who was instrumental in bringing the battleship to Norfolk. The opening of this moving exhibit coincided with the USS Wisconsin Association’s 17th reunion, which took place in Norfolk July 18-23. Dean was a mem-


ber of the Association, whose members include veterans from WWII, the Korean War and the Persian Gulf War. Almost 300 Wisconsin veterans were expected to attend the reunion.


Photos courtesy of Nauticus


Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland, Alan Dean's widow Christina Dean, and SunTrust VP Mark Johnson


Alan Dean exhibit case displaying some of his personal items.


Alan Dean's widow Christina Dean and Dean's daughter Michaela Huelbig cut the ribbon to open exhibit.


Attendees enjoying the reception


Some of Dean's family members


Kirkland with USS Wisconsin Association members


Kirkland gives reception remarks


TCC's Felicia Blow and Nauticus intern Victoria Blow


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