National Museum of the American Sailor facts for kids
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| Established | 2009 |
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| Location | Building 42 2531 Sheridan Road Great Lakes, Illinois 60088 |
| Type | Naval history |
The National Museum of the American Sailor is a special place that tells the story of the United States Navy. It used to be called the Great Lakes Naval Museum. This museum is one of 10 Navy Museums run by the Naval History & Heritage Command.
The museum's main job is to find, keep, and share the history of the U.S. Navy. It especially focuses on the everyday Sailors who serve our country. The museum does this by:
- Helping new Navy recruits learn about the Navy's long history of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
- Collecting and showing true and fair stories from Navy history.
- Saving the physical items and experiences of Navy Sailors for everyone to learn from.
- Planning for the future by deciding what historical items the Navy will need to collect.
- Creating fun and inspiring programs and exhibits. These help people understand and appreciate the importance of the American Sailor.
Contents
What Can You See at the Museum?
The National Museum of the American Sailor has over 40,000 items and records. These pieces tell the amazing story of the U.S. Navy. You can see Navy uniforms and accessories from the early 1900s until today.
The museum also has the biggest collection of photos from Navy boot camp. These photos show what it's like to become a Sailor.
Permanent Exhibits
The museum has several main exhibits you can always visit. These include:
- Displays about the Navy's boot camp training.
- The history of women and different groups in the Navy.
- The story of Naval Station Great Lakes and its big role in the Navy.
- Exhibits showing the traditions and unique styles of Navy uniforms.
- Displays about the daily life of a Navy Sailor.
How the Museum Started
The National Museum of the American Sailor is located at Naval Station Great Lakes. This is where the Navy's only "Boot Camp" is found. The museum first opened in 1991. It was started by the Great Lakes Naval Museum Foundation.
The Hostess House
In 2008, the museum moved to its current home in Building 42. This building is known as the Hostess House. A famous architect named Gordon Bunshaft designed it in 1942. He worked for a well-known company called Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SOM).
During World War II, the Hostess House was a welcome center. Almost one million Sailors came through its doors for boot camp. After the war, the building was used for different things. It eventually became old and almost torn down.
However, people realized it was a great example of modern American architecture. So, it was saved and turned into the museum. The museum officially opened there on January 12, 2009. By being in the Hostess House, the museum connects Sailors, Navy families, and visitors to this special building. It also shows its important role in the Navy's wartime history.
Becoming a National Museum
In January 2009, the Great Lakes Naval Museum became an official Navy museum. It is now run by the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC).
On May 29, 2014, the Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, changed the museum's name. It became the National Museum of the American Sailor. This new name shows that the museum tells the story of all U.S. Sailors. It's not just about the local area. It teaches new recruits, active Sailors, and visitors from everywhere about the Navy. It highlights how civilians become Sailors and how they protect our nation.
Programs and Learning
The museum offers many ways to learn and have fun. You can take guided tours to explore the exhibits. They also have a series of talks and military band concerts.
The museum has special educational programs based on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Many volunteers help with all the museum's activities. If you are doing research, you can also make an appointment to look at the museum's collection.
See also
- List of maritime museums in the United States
- List of museum ships
