National Coast Guard Museum facts for kids

The National Coast Guard Museum is an exciting new museum being built in New London, Connecticut. This city is a historic seaport located where the Thames River meets Long Island Sound. New London is also home to the United States Coast Guard Academy, which is like a college for future Coast Guard leaders.

The idea for this museum started way back in 2001. A group called the Coast Guard Museum Association has been working hard to make it happen. They want to create a special place where everyone can learn about the brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Building the Museum

Even though there were some delays, construction of the museum officially began on August 19, 2022. This special day was marked with a "keel laying ceremony." A keel is the very bottom structure of a ship, so this ceremony is a traditional way to celebrate the start of building something important, like a museum that will tell stories of the sea.

The city of New London has given the museum a fantastic spot right on the Thames River waterfront. This location will make it easy for visitors to enjoy both the museum and the beautiful views.

Why a Coast Guard Museum?

The United States has six main military branches that protect our country. These are the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Most of these branches already have their own dedicated museums. For example, the Army, Marines, Navy, and Air Force all have museums where you can learn about their history and heroes.

The Coast Guard and the Space Force are the only two branches that don't have their own museums yet. That's why building the National Coast Guard Museum is so important. It will finally give the Coast Guard a special place to share its amazing history and show how it protects our waters and helps people.

Funding the Project

Building a big museum costs a lot of money! The museum association has been very successful in raising funds. They have received $50 million from the federal government, which is money from the whole country. They have also raised $44 million from other donations, getting very close to their goal of $50 million.

The state of Connecticut has also promised $20 million. This money will help build a special pedestrian bridge. This bridge will connect the museum and the waterfront area to a nearby parking garage. This makes it super easy for visitors to get to the museum safely and conveniently.

What to Expect at the Museum

The plans for the National Coast Guard Museum are very exciting! The building is designed to be five or six stories tall and will cover about 80,000 square feet. That's a lot of space for cool exhibits!

One of the special features will be an outdoor concert pavilion. This is a stage area where the amazing United States Coast Guard Band can perform. Other groups will also be able to give concerts there. Imagine enjoying music with the river as a backdrop! The museum will be a place for learning, fun, and celebrating the Coast Guard's important work.