Submarine Force Library and Museum

Submarine Force Library and Museum is the official museum of the United States Navy's Submarine Force. Located adjacent to the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, it holds the world's foremost collection of submarine artifacts and archival materials. The museum's centerpiece is the historic USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. It serves as a primary educational resource on the history and technology of undersea warfare.

History

The institution traces its origins to 1955 when the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics established a small collection of submarine memorabilia. In 1964, the United States Navy formally recognized the collection, and it was moved to its current location. A significant expansion occurred in the 1980s to accommodate the decommissioned USS Nautilus (SSN-571), which was opened for public tours in 1986. The museum has since undergone several renovations, including a major expansion completed in 2000, to enhance its exhibits and archival facilities, solidifying its role as the Naval History and Heritage Command's principal repository for submarine history.

Exhibits and collections

The museum's extensive galleries chronicle the evolution of submarine technology from the American Revolutionary War era Turtle (submersible) to modern Trident boats. Key artifacts include the H. L. Hunley replica, World War I-era U-boat relics, and the attack periscope from USS Growler (SSG-577). Exhibits detail pivotal engagements like the Battle of the Atlantic and the Pacific War, featuring weaponry such as the Mark 14 torpedo and Balao-class submarine models. The Cold War gallery highlights the development of the Polaris missile and the story of the USS Thresher (SSN-593). The Medal of Honor awarded to Howard W. Gilmore is among the many personal decorations on display.

USS Nautilus (SSN-571)

Moored permanently outside the museum, USS Nautilus (SSN-571) is a National Historic Landmark and the centerpiece of the campus. Commissioned in 1954 under the command of Eugene P. Wilkinson, the vessel made history in 1958 by completing the first submerged transit beneath the North Pole during Operation Sunshine. Visitors can tour its forward compartments, including the attack center, wardroom, and crew's quarters, seeing original equipment like the steering wheel and chronometer. The Nautilus was decommissioned in 1980 after a career that revolutionized naval strategy and was designated a historic ship in 1982.

Library and archives

The facility operates a specialized research library and archive containing over 20,000 volumes and 100,000 manuscripts. Holdings include the personal papers of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the "Father of the Nuclear Navy," and extensive files on submarine construction from Electric Boat and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The archives preserve original deck logs from vessels like USS Barb (SS-220), patrol reports from the Pacific Fleet, and technical manuals for systems like the Mark 48 torpedo. This collection serves as a vital resource for historians, veterans, and authors studying undersea warfare and naval policy.

Visitor information

The museum is located at 1 Crystal Lake Road in Groton, Connecticut, with easy access from Interstate 95. It is open year-round, Wednesday through Monday, with no admission fee. Highlights for visitors include the self-guided tour of USS Nautilus (SSN-571), interactive control station simulators, and a museum store operated by the Naval Historical Foundation. The facility is part of the Naval History and Heritage Command and is supported by the Friends of the Submarine Force Museum, a non-profit organization. Special events are often held in conjunction with the United States Submarine Veterans and the Naval Submarine League.

Category:Museums in Connecticut Category:United States Navy museums Category:Military and war museums in the United States Category:Groton, Connecticut