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Navy unveils National Museum of the American Sailor July 4

Posted July 11, 2016 11:00 pm

Submitted by Naval History and Heritage Command

This drawing of an enlisted naval uniform during the War of 1812 is an example of the historical exhibits housed at the National Museum of the American Sailor at Naval Station Great Lakes. Courtesy of National Archives

The Great Lakes Naval Museum was officially renamed the National Museum of the American Sailor during a ceremony and sign unveiling at the museum on July 4.

"Dedicated to telling the story of anyone who has ever worn the Navy uniform, this building will do more than house history," said retired Rear Admiral Sam Cox, director of Naval History and Heritage Command. "The National Museum of the American Sailor will stand as a place for Sailors, Navy families and proud Americans to learn more about the Navy that serves them by using the history and experiences of our Sailors as the basis for its exhibits."

The National Museum of the American Sailor name change signals a shift in vision from a regional focus to one that depicts the diverse history of Sailors who have served in the U.S. Navy. The name change also reflects the interest of museum visitors, many of whom travel from across the country to attend the basic training graduations at the Navy's Recruit Training Command.

"What may appear as a simple name change to some, for me, marks a recommitment to my shipmates that as a Navy, and as a nation, we honor the service and sacrifice of all American Sailors," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens, the Navy's top enlisted sailor.

The National Museum of the American Sailor currently features exhibits on life in Navy boot camp, naval uniforms and traditions, the history of Naval Station Great Lakes, the role of diversity in the Navy and the role of women in the Navy. Over the next two years, the museum will expand its exhibits to introduce visitors to the overall history and role of the U.S. Navy and the experiences of American Sailors in the past and today.

"I am very excited for this new museum, and I welcome you all to visit. Our nation's history would not be the same if it were not for the millions of American Sailors who have served in the United States Navy," Cox said.

The museum is located in Building 42 just outside the perimeter of Naval Station Great Lakes. Building 42, known as Hostess House, was built in 1942 and served as a visitors and reception center for almost one million American Sailors who came through Great Lakes during World War II.

The former Great Lakes Naval Museum was dedicated Oct. 26, 1996 in Building 158 and opened to the public on Oct. 13, 1997. It became an official Navy Museum in Building 42 in 2009, joining the Naval History and Heritage Command museum enterprise.

The National Museum of the American Sailor is one of 10 museums in the Naval History and Heritage Command enterprise. Other museums include:

• National Museum of the United States Navy (Washington Navy Yard, D.C.)

• National Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola, Florida)

• Hampton Roads Naval Museum (Norfolk, Virginia)

• United States Navy Seabee Museum (Port Hueneme, California)

• Submarine Force Library and Museum and Historic Ship NAUTILUS (Groton, Connecticut)

• Naval Undersea Museum (Keyport, Washington)

• Puget Sound Navy Museum (Bremerton, Washington)

• Naval War College Museum (Newport, Rhode Island)

• United States Naval Academy Museum (Annapolis, Maryland)

The Naval History and Heritage Command, located at the Washington Navy Yard, is responsible for the preservation, analysis and dissemination of U.S. Naval history and heritage. It provides the knowledge foundation for the Navy by maintaining historically relevant resources and products that reflect the Navy's unique and enduring contributions through the nation's history and supports the fleet by assisting with and delivering professional research, analysis and interpretive services. The Naval History and Heritage Command is composed of many activities including the Navy Department Library, the Navy Operational Archives, the Navy art and artifact collections, underwater archaeology, Navy histories, 10 museums, USS Constitution repair facility and the historic ship Nautilus.

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Crew members by the USS Wissahickon's Dahlgren XI-inch pivot gun and foremast, during the Civil War. Copied from Francis Trevelyan Miller's “The Photographic History of the Civil War,” Volume 6, page 43. Courtesy of U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee, (NC) U.S. Navy, the second Superintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps, from Jan. 20, 1911 to Nov. 30, 1922. The National Museum of the American Sailor currently features exhibits on the role of women in the Navy, as well as life in Navy boot camp, naval uniforms and traditions, the history of Naval Station Great Lakes, and the role of diversity in the Navy. Courtesy of National Archives

“A Sailor's Sewing Day Reminds Him Keenly of Home and Mother Life on Board a Battleship.” Photo probably taken on board USS Minnesota (Battleship # 22), circa 1910, and published on a stereograph card by the Keystone View Co. during the World War I period. Courtesy of U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

A Sailor makes adjustments to torpedo afterbodies on board a U.S. Navy ship during World War II. Courtesy of U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command

U.S. crewmen of River Assault Division One Hundred Eleven and Vietnamese crewmen stand during the raising of the Republic of Vietnam flag on a Riverine Craft of Commander Task Force 117, which was turned over to the Vietnamese at Dong Tam. Courtesy of National Archive

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