PT Boat Museum

PT Boat Museum. The PT Boat Museum, located within the larger Battleship Cove maritime heritage site in Fall River, Massachusetts, is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the PT boats used by the United States Navy during World War II. As the principal museum of the PT Boats, Inc. historical organization, it houses the world's largest collection of operational PT boats and related artifacts. The museum serves as an educational resource and memorial, focusing on the design, combat service, and crews of these fast-attack craft.

History

The museum's origins are closely tied to the efforts of PT Boats, Inc., an organization founded in 1946 by former PT boat officers including then-Congressman John F. Kennedy. The group worked to preserve the history of these vessels and their crews. The museum facility itself was established in 1995 as a dedicated exhibit hall within Battleship Cove, which had been founded in the 1960s. Its creation centralized the display of several restored PT boats that had been acquired and saved from scrapping by dedicated veterans and historians. Key vessels like PT-617 and PT-796 were moved to the site, forming the core of a collection that continues to be expanded through donations and archaeological recovery projects.

Exhibits and collections

The centerpiece of the museum is its collection of fully restored, operational PT boats, including PT-617, a 78-foot Higgins Industries boat, and PT-796, a 78-foot Elco boat used as a patrol craft during the Korean War. Exhibits feature extensive arrays of original armament such as torpedoes, 20 mm Oerlikon cannons, and .50 caliber Browning machine guns. The museum displays numerous personal artifacts, uniforms, medals, and photographs from crew members, alongside detailed models, tactical maps from engagements in the Pacific Theater and Mediterranean Theater, and interactive stations. A significant archive maintained in partnership with PT Boats, Inc. contains operational records, blueprints, and veteran oral histories.

PT boat specifications and history

PT boats, standing for Patrol Torpedo boats, were small, fast, and lightly armored vessels designed for attacking larger surface ships. Built primarily by Elco, Higgins Industries, and Huckins Yacht Corporation, they were typically 70 to 80 feet long, powered by three Packard marine engines, and capable of speeds over 40 knots. Their primary armament included four torpedoes and an array of automatic guns, later augmented with rocket launchers and radar. They saw extensive service in both the Pacific Theater and Mediterranean Theater of World War II, famous for their roles in the Solomon Islands campaign, the New Guinea campaign, and actions around the Philippines. Their most famous crewman was Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, who commanded PT-109, which was rammed and sunk by the Japanese destroyer Amagiri during the Pacific War.

Significance and recognition

The museum is recognized as the national repository for PT boat history by the United States Navy and holds the official Battleship Cove designation as a National Historic Landmark site. It plays a crucial role in preserving the material culture and veterans' stories from a unique and celebrated aspect of World War II naval warfare. The museum's work in restoration and education has been supported by grants from institutions like the Institute of Museum and Library Services and through partnerships with the Naval History and Heritage Command. It stands as a primary memorial to the thousands of sailors who served on these craft, many of whom were members of the United States Naval Reserve.

Visitor information

The PT Boat Museum is located within Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts, easily accessible from Interstate 195. The larger complex also includes the battleship USS Massachusetts (BB-59), the submarine USS Lionfish (SS-298), and other historic naval vessels. The museum is open seasonally, with varying hours, and admission is included with entry to Battleship Cove. Visitors can take guided tours, view documentary films in an on-site theater, and during special events, witness engine demonstrations on the restored PT boats. The museum also hosts annual reunions for PT boat veterans and their families and participates in local events like Fall River's Fourth of July celebration.

Category:Maritime museums in Massachusetts Category:Military and war museums in Massachusetts Category:Museums in Bristol County, Massachusetts Category:World War II museums in the United States Category:PT boats