U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum

U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum. It is the official museum of the United States Navy dedicated to preserving the history of the American submarine service. Located adjacent to the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, the institution holds an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and historic vessels. The museum is best known for being the homeport of the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN-571), which visitors can tour.

History

The museum's origins trace back to 1955 when several retired United States Navy officers, including Admiral Charles A. Lockwood, established The Submarine Library in a small building near the Thames River. Its mission was to collect and preserve materials related to submarine warfare, particularly from World War II and the Cold War. In 1964, the library was officially recognized by the United States Department of the Navy and later moved to its current, larger facility. A significant expansion occurred in the 1980s to accommodate the decommissioned USS Nautilus (SSN-571) after her historic career, which included the first submerged transit of the North Pole during Operation Sunshine. The museum was formally designated the official United States Navy submarine museum in 1995 by the Chief of Naval Operations.

Exhibits and collections

The museum's indoor galleries contain over 33,000 artifacts and a vast archive of manuscripts and photographs. Permanent exhibits detail the evolution of submarine technology, from David Bushnell's Turtle used during the American Revolutionary War to modern Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. Key displays include an extensive collection of submarine warfare memorabilia, detailed models of vessels like the Gato-class, and historic equipment such as a Mark 14 torpedo. The museum also features the Submarine Veterans memorial and exhibits honoring the service of personnel during pivotal conflicts like the Battle of the Atlantic and the Pacific War.

USS Nautilus (SSN-571)

The centerpiece of the museum is USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine, commissioned in 1954 under the command of Captain Eugene P. Wilkinson. Designed under the leadership of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the Nautilus revolutionized naval propulsion and strategy. Visitors can board the National Historic Landmark and tour its forward compartments, seeing the attack submarine's control room, wardroom, and crew's quarters. Interpretive panels detail its record-breaking achievements, including the historic 1958 voyage beneath the Arctic ice cap, a feat that demonstrated strategic mobility during the Cold War.

Mission and operations

The museum's primary mission, as part of the Naval History and Heritage Command, is to collect, preserve, and interpret the heritage of the United States Navy's Submarine Force. It operates as both a public educational institution and a vital research center for scholars and veterans. The staff, which includes active-duty personnel and civilian historians, conducts ongoing archival work, artifact conservation, and the development of new exhibits on topics like the Silent Service and advancements in naval nuclear propulsion. The museum also supports the United States Naval Institute and collaborates with organizations like the Naval Submarine League on public programming and historical documentation.

Visitor information

The museum is located at 1 Crystal Lake Road in Groton, Connecticut, directly outside the main gate of Naval Submarine Base New London. It is open to the public year-round, though hours may vary by season; admission is free. Highlights for visitors include the self-guided tour of USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the indoor exhibit halls, and an outdoor park displaying a sail from a Sturgeon-class submarine and a Regulus missile. The facility is accessible via Interstate 95 and is near other regional attractions such as Mystic Seaport Museum and the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London.

Category:Museums in New London County, Connecticut Category:United States Navy museums Category:Military and war museums in Connecticut Category:1955 establishments in Connecticut