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 The
Navy Museum is housed in the former
Breech Mechanism Shop of the old
Gun Factory (Building 76). Built between 1887 and 1899,
the 600-foot-long building was one of several shops in
the Yard that produced ordnance, missile components
and electronic equipment until 1962.In
1961 Admiral Arleigh Burke, Chief of Naval Operations,
recognizing that the Washington Navy Yard was the Navy's oldest
and one of its most historic sites, persuaded Secretary of the
Navy John B. Connally to establish the U.S. Naval Historical
Display Center (later the U.S. Navy Memorial Museum, then the
Navy Museum).
Opened in 1963 to
collect, preserve and display naval artifacts, models, documents
and fine art. Through its exhibits, the Museum chronicles
the history of the United States Navy from the Revolution to the
present. The exhibits commemorate the Navy's wartime
heroes and battles as well as its peacetime contributions in
such fields as exploration, diplomacy, space flight, navigation
and humanitarian service. Tools, equipment and personal
materials offer the visitor a unique opportunity to gain an
understanding of naval customs, way of life and contributions to
society. The Navy Museum
presents over 225 years of naval and maritime history, tracing
wars, battles, and crises from the American Revolution through
the Vietnam War.
 The Navy Museum exhibits an
extraordinary collection of ship models, uniforms, medals,
ordnance, photographs and fine art. The museum collection
also includes an F4U Corsair, nicknamed "Big Hog"; a twin mount
5-inch .38 caliber anti-aircraft gun; the foremast Fighting Top
from frigate Constitution; and the bathyscaphe Trieste that
descended nearly seven miles to the deepest location in the
Pacific Ocean.
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One
of the most comprehensive exhibits, "In Harm's Way," examines the Navy's role in
World War II from the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 to Japan's surrender in 1945.
Divided
into three sections, the exhibit examines the Pacific and Atlantic campaigns and the home
front effort. Thematic exhibits, such as "Underwater
Exploration," "Polar Exploration," and
"Commodore Matthew Perry and the Opening of Japan,"
feature the Navy's diplomatic and peacetime contributions.
World War II submarine periscopes, gun mounts, and other
hands-on objects provide visitors with an interactive museum
experience.
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Tours
for senior citizens, school groups, families, naval reunion
groups, and general audiences are available. The Navy
Museum sponsors evening events throughout the year including
lectures, slide presentations, book-signings, and concerts
performed by the United States Navy Band and traditional
maritime musicians. Each fall the museum hosts the
Seafaring Celebration, a family festival highlighting naval and
maritime traditions. Activity workshops, demonstrations,
storytelling, and musical performances provide thousands of
visitors with exciting educational experiences throughout the
day. All the museum's programs are open to the public and
free of charge.
| Location |
Phone |
| Building
76 |
(202) 433-4882 |
| Washington
Navy Yard, DC |
FAX: (202) 433-8200 |
Hours
Due to
increased security at the Washington Navy Yard, the Navy
Museum is now open Monday through Friday from 0900 to 1600
and closed weekends and federal holidays.
Please book your
visit in advance by calling (202) 433-6897 for an
appointment. Visitors must enter at the 11th and O
Street gate.
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Tours:
Guided and
self-guided tours are available upon request.
Accessibility:
The Museum
is architecturally accessible to disabled visitors.
For more
information, visit the Naval
Historical Center's
Website
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