The Mars & Neptune Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the study and preservation of early American (1492-1850) military and naval material culture, including paintings and drawings, artifacts, manuscripts, rare books and ephemera. We sponsor research and publications programs and cooperate with other institutions in organizing symposia and exhibitions. It was founded in 2016 by James L. Kochan, a former museum curator, noted historian-author and recognized specialist in early American art and military material culture to 1850. On a local level, we are working with the state of Maine on a project to restore an important War of 1812 fort and building a relevant collection for study and eventual exhibition at this site.
We also support museums, research libraries, and collectors in a variety of capacities, from authentication of artifacts and serving as agent for acquisitions and deaccessions programs in support of mission, as well as assisting in documentation, conservation and exhibition of such artifacts. The Trust maintains an extensive research library and archive, as well as catalog and image databases, allowing us to assist institutions and private clients in building and refining their collections with confidence. Institutional clients include: The Fort Ligonier Association, The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, The National Museum of the Royal Navy, The National Museum of the US Army, The Society of the Cincinnati, and the William L. Clements Library.
James L. Kochan exhibits at a handful of select antique shows per year, in addition to participating as a speaker or panelist at various public and professional conferences and seminars.
Download pdfs or access online flip-books of our thematic catalogs and research reports or purchase hard copies of books or monographs written by James Kochan.
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