Friends of the Submarine Force Museum

Friends of the Submarine Force Museum
Name	Friends of the Submarine Force Museum
Founded	1990
Location	Groton, Connecticut
Focus	Support for the Naval Submarine Base New London museum

Friends of the Submarine Force Museum is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Submarine Force Museum and the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. Established in 1990, its primary mission is to provide financial and volunteer assistance to preserve the history of the United States Navy's submarine service. The group works to enhance public access to the museum's collections and supports educational outreach related to undersea warfare and naval heritage.

History and Mission

The organization was founded in 1990 by a group of community leaders, retired United States Navy personnel, and local historians concerned with the preservation of submarine history. Its creation coincided with a period of renewed public interest in Cold War naval history and the need for private support for military museums. The core mission is to foster appreciation for the heritage of the United States Submarine Force by aiding the Submarine Force Museum, which is the official museum of the United States Navy's submarine service. This involves ensuring the preservation of artifacts, documents, and vessels like the historic USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine.

Organization and Governance

The Friends of the Submarine Force Museum operates under a board of directors, typically composed of veterans, business professionals from the New England region, and academics with expertise in maritime history. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director and supported by committee structures focusing on areas like collections, finance, and events. The organization maintains a close working relationship with the leadership of the Naval Submarine Base New London and the museum's curator, who is often a serving or retired United States Navy officer. Membership is open to the public, with tiers offering benefits such as special access to events at the Submarine Force Museum.

Activities and Programs

Key activities include organizing public lectures featuring historians and veterans from conflicts like World War II and the Cold War. The group coordinates volunteer docent programs to guide visitors through exhibits on submarine warfare technology and famous boats like the USS George Washington (SSBN-598). It also sponsors annual events such as memorial ceremonies for lost submarines like the USS Thresher (SSN-593) and family days at the Submarine Force Museum. Educational outreach includes supporting the Groton school district with STEM programs related to naval engineering and sponsoring student trips to the museum and the nearby Naval Submarine Base New London.

Fundraising and Financial Support

Fundraising is achieved through annual membership drives, charitable donations from corporations like General Dynamics Electric Boat, and special events such as galas and silent auctions. Financial support is directed toward specific museum projects, including the restoration of historic artifacts, maintenance of the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) exhibit, and the development of new interactive displays. The organization also applies for grants from entities like the National Endowment for the Humanities and state cultural funds from Connecticut. These funds are crucial for capital improvements not covered by the United States Navy's budget.

Relationship with the Submarine Force Museum

The relationship is a public-private partnership where the Friends organization acts as an auxiliary support group. While the Submarine Force Museum itself is a Navy entity under the Naval History and Heritage Command, the Friends provide supplemental resources for exhibits, preservation, and outreach. The group works in consultation with the museum's director and the command at Naval Submarine Base New London to identify priority needs. This collaboration ensures that the museum, which houses national treasures like the Battle Flag of the USS Barb (SS-220), remains a world-class institution for telling the story of the United States Submarine Force.

Notable Contributions and Achievements

Significant contributions include major fundraising campaigns for the museum's library and archive, which holds documents related to pioneers like Admiral Hyman G. Rickover. The group was instrumental in supporting the conservation of the USS Nautilus (SSN-571) and helped fund the creation of exhibits on the Silent Service during the Pacific War. Achievements also include establishing an endowment for educational programs and receiving recognition from veterans' organizations like the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. for its role in preserving the legacy of submariners from all eras, including those who served in the Korean War and Vietnam War.

Category:Naval museums in the United States Category:Organizations based in Connecticut Category:1990 establishments in Connecticut