Remember the phrase “Don’t Give Up the Ship.” It embodies the spirit you will find within the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. This museum is not just a collection of artifacts. It is a journey through American naval history.
The U.S. Naval Academy Museum began as the Naval School Lyceum in 1845. It started as a collection of historic items for study. President James K. Polk directed the Navy’s historic flags to be sent here in 1849. This established one of the museum’s oldest collections.
After the Civil War, the Navy Department sent many objects to the Lyceum. These included trophies of war and items from expeditions. By 1892, it received a large collection from the U.S. Naval Lyceum in New York. In 1922, the Boston Naval Library and Institute added significantly to the collection.
The museum moved around the Naval Academy Yard. Finally, Preble Hall was constructed in 1939. Preble Hall underwent a complete renovation from 2007 to 2008. It reopened in the summer of 2009.
Today, the U.S. Naval Academy Museum occupies 12000 square feet. It has four galleries. The collection reflects American naval history and naval forces of other countries. You will find flags, uniforms, weapons, medals, and art.
One major collection is The Rogers Ship Model Collection. It shows 200 years of warship design. Another is the Naval Academy Art Collection with about 1200 paintings. The Malcolm Storer Naval Medals Collection includes ancient coins. Also, see The Beverley R. Robinson Collection. It has prints of naval history.
Over 100000 visitors come to the U.S. Naval Academy Museum each year. The exhibits focus on the history of seapower. They also cover the development of the U.S. Navy. The exhibits highlight the Naval Academy’s role in producing officers.
On the first deck, you can trace the U.S. Navy’s journey. It begins with the Revolutionary War and goes to today’s powerful force. Interactive battle maps help visualize naval tactics. See Oliver Hazard Perry’s “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag. A piece of the USS Monitor is here too.
The second deck features the Rogers Ship Model Collection. These models detail innovation in warship design. The Beverley R. Robinson Collection includes 6000 prints. They chronicle naval history from 1514 through World War II.
The U.S. Naval Academy Museum also has temporary exhibits. “A History of the Navy in 100 Objects” is a podcast and video series that explores the Navy’s history.
Visiting the U.S. Naval Academy Museum supports the midshipmen. Proceeds from tours and shopping fund their extracurricular activities. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays and federal holidays. Come explore the treasures of the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. See naval history come alive.