New site for National Museum of the United State Navy formally announced

Washington (WHTM) It’s official – the National Museum of the United States Navy in Washington will move to a new location.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro formally announced the site for the new National Museum of the United States Navy on October 18. The ceremony took place at the new museum location just outside the historic Washington Navy Yard at Tingey Street and M Street.

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We visited the current museum in June. It’s located inside the Navy Yard grounds, in a building once used as a large caliber gun factory. That building presents the Navy with two problems; it is too small, and because it’s inside a military installation, visiting the museum requires getting a pass. The new location outside the yard will allow people to visit without paperwork.

“This ceremony marks a significant step forward in our journey to reimagine the Navy Museum,” said Secretary Del Toro. “This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to preserving and honoring the rich history of our Navy, and to ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire and educate future generations.”

The new facility will be more than just the museum. Plans call for a campus layout that combines the Navy Museum, a high-tech conference center, and retail space with dining options. It is intended to be a self-funded tourist destination that aims to intrigue, inform, and inspire generations of visitors.

The Navy has partnered with the non-profit Navy Museum Development Foundation (NMDF), which will support the museum construction efforts and, once complete, its ongoing operation.

The museum is part of the Naval History and Heritage Command NHHC), headquartered at the Washington Navy Yard. NHHC comprises many activities, including the Navy Department Library, the Navy Operational Archives, the Navy art and artifact collections, underwater archeology, Navy histories, ten museums, USS Constitution repair facility, and the historic submarine Nautilus . It maintains historically relevant resources and products that reflect the Navy’s unique and enduring contributions through our nation’s history and supports the fleet by assisting with and delivering professional research, analysis, and interpretive services.

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