The National Museum of the United States Navy: A Maritime story

The National Museum of the United States Navy is the main flagship of the 15 naval museums around the country, providing a detailed account of the Navy through the course of the American history. Located in Washington Navy Yard in the former Naval Gun factory, the museum gives a thorough overview of maritime operations during wartime and peace, and its importance in the U.S. military. It’s an excellent place for any military or history buff, former Navy and for children.

Opened in 1963, the museum contains artifacts that date all the way back to 1800, though exhibits begin with the American Revolution and the French Alliance. Other permanent exhibits include the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the “Forgotten Wars of the 19th Century”, World War I and World War II, and the Korean War. There are also exhibits dedicated to submarine warfare, navigation, and polar exploration by Admiral Richard Byrd in 1928 to the South Pole.

Much of the displays include models and replicas of the various battleships and submarines, uniforms, weapons, naval equipment, photographs and video. T he museum is the only one of all the Naval museums which details the history of the Navy from the beginning. It also includes a library, archives and research center.

The World War II exhibit is the largest and is divided into Atlantic, Pacific and Home Front. Each holds displays artifacts and items from each region: the Pacific has atomic bomb casings, models of the ships that sailed, a Japanese kamikaze plane, and other items related to the fight against the Japanese. On the Atlantic front, weaponry and items from the US and Europe are displayed, along with cannons, firearms, uniforms and actual logs from the USS New York. On the Home Front are patriotic wartime posters and other items from that time period.

HelloWashingtonDC Tip: Various events take place at the museum, including lectures, book signings, Navy Band performances, Maritime Craft Day, art classes and family events. Schools and groups can also take special tours. Check the calendar online for more details of upcoming events.
 

National Museum of the United States Navy museum Washington DC