to the U.S. Naval War College Museum on Coasters Harbor Island in Rhode Island’s beautiful Narragansett Bay.
Visitors to the Naval War College Museum will enjoy the many exhibits detailing U.S. Naval history, as well as the naval heritage of Narragansett Bay. You’ll see detailed accounts of heroism, naval and military developments throughout U.S. history, stirring memorials, and more. You can even access the U.S. Navy 20th Century Ships History Database.
Beyond the permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts short-term, special exhibits. At the time of this writing, a new exhibit entitled “This is No Drill: The United States Enters World War II” is on display until 1 June 2017.
“This is No Drill” features artifacts related to the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7th 1941. It includes a metal fragment from the USS Arizona, a diorama depicting many of the Arizona’s crew, a Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve uniform, and models of WWII era Japanese naval aircraft.
The museum also features a gift shop and the grounds present a stunning view of both the bridge and Narragansett Bay. Bring your camera!
The Naval War College Museum serves as a tribute to America’s naval superiority. The museum is located in a stone building built in 1819 that was originally used as the Newport Asylum for the Poor. In 1884 it was formally established as the original home of the Naval War College.
During World War II, 150,000 men were trained here on the island. The Naval War College Museum was moved to the building in 1978. The building, along with Luce Hall, have been designated a National Historic Landmark.
While the Naval War College Museum’s primary purpose is to serve the Naval War College community, the public is both allowed and encouraged to visit. That being said, visiting the facility does take some planning because it is located behind Gate 1 of Newport’s U.S. Naval Station.
Reservations for those without Department of Defense identification must be made at least five working days in advance. (Foreign nationals require two weeks’ advance notification) You’ll also need two forms of government-issued ID. If someone in your party has a valid U.S. military identification, however, they can act as your escort without the additional reservation.
U.S. Naval War College Museum
686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am to 4:30pm
June through September the museum is open weekends, 12pm to 4:30pm
Please contact the U.S. NWC Museum (401-841-4052) as early as possible prior to your arrival.
Be sure to visit www.usnwc.edu for more information and details.
U.S. Naval War College Museum Lodging
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