Attractions
The U.S. 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. 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 “Individual Augmentee,” 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. The U.S. Navy Museum sponsors special events throughout the year including lectures, slide presentations, book-signings and family programs. Hands-on educational programs for students and guided tours are available throughout the year. All the museum’s programs are open to the public and free of charge.
The U.S. Navy Museum is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and federal holidays. For more information on the U.S. Navy Museum, including base access, please call (202) 433-4882 or visit online at www.history.navy.mil.
Naval Observatory Public tours of the United States Naval Observatory are now offered on alternating Monday evenings from 8:30 until 10:00 p.m. Tours will include a presentation of the Mission and History of the Observatory, a view of the development of USNO’s timekeeping responsibilities with a member of the Observatory’s Time Service Department staff, and (weather permitting) viewing of celestial objects with the 12-inch Alvan Clark refractor with an Astronomer. Individual tour passes must be reserved in advance for every Monday night tour. Visit www.usno.navy.mil for more information and to reserve a seat for a tour. Requests for reservations should be submitted at least 4 - 6 weeks before a scheduled tour. You must provide the names and dates-of-birth of all individuals in your party. As a Requestor, you must
also provide a daytime telephone number and/or an e-mail address so that you can be contacted with the status of your request. Your request will be processed in the order in which it was received. You will receive an e-mail or telephone confirmation when your order has been processed, no later than the Friday before your First Choice tour date. If you have not received a confirmation notice by this time, you may assume that you are not on the name list(s) for your requested date(s). We will make every effort to try to contact you to schedule a subsequent date. All adult visitors will be required to present a photo ID that matches their name and date-of birth before they are admitted to the grounds. Visitors who do not have a reservation will not be admitted under any circumstances.
Naval District Washington Regional Installation Guide 2013-14
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