U. S. Naval Academy Museum
Written: Jul 05 '00 (Updated Jul 05 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Unique Model Ship Collection in this Free Museum on the Grounds of the Naval Academy
Cons: Other stops at the Naval Academy will subject you to recruiting efforts
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| ErgoPropterHoc's Full Review: Annapolis |
The U. S. Naval Academy Museum, located in Preble Hall, is one of the foremost repositories of American naval history. While it may not be as prestigious or well known as the Smithsonian Institution or the Guggenheim, it’s certainly worth your time on your next visit to Annapolis.
This review is a part of the museum write-off, where many writers are reviewing one of their favourite museums. Also visit the reviews posted by these other writers: Arthur.Rubin, caravan70, frazzledspice, jnbmoore, lecomte1, loveandprayers moonvine, Prepoia, redlass, tjarnold.
Unlike much of the rest of the publicly available facilities at the U. S. Naval Academy, the Museum is completely devoid of recruiting propaganda. This is a refreshing change from the rest of the academy (especially the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center,) where recruiting, not only for the academy but for the Navy in general, is always intense.
The Navy: Before and Way Before
The main floor of the museum is neatly divided into two distinct parts: one chock full of relics from the nineteenth century, and the other detailing the history of the modern navy in the twentieth century.
The two sections seem almost as if they are parts of two different museums. The early years section is simply an array of artifacts, neatly displayed in glass cases. While there is plenty to see, there is very little connection from one display to the next—everything is there, but it’s up to you to figure out what it is and why it’s important.
The rear section of the main floor contains the history of the Modern Navy, beginning with the Spanish-American War (although the sinking of the Maine is conspicuously absent) and continuing through to the cold war. This section is certainly more like what you expext from a good museum, with exhibits showing explaining the unfolding story, along with photography and artifacts, and a few looping video and audio presentations. (FDR’s Pearl Harbour announcement loops far too quickly, so you’ll hear “a day that will live in infamy” several times too many while you tour the WWII section.)
Gallery of Ships
The most unique part of the Museum is the Gallery of Ships, located on the lower level. The first couple of ships just inside the front doors of the museum offer only a tiny taste of what is downstairs. The Rogers collection comprises over a hundred models of tall ships, most constructed alongside the originals. (In many cases, the model is all that remains to record the existence of some of the grandest vessels ever to ply the world’s oceans.)
Perhaps most impressive are the bone models, displayed in a darkened hallway on the lower level. These models were created by French POW’s by carving the bones from their meals. While not exactly to scale, the detailed and delicate workmanship on these specimens is astounding, especially given the working conditions of their creators.
While You’re There
You might want to stop in to the Museum bookstore. The store stocks a wide selection of relevant literature, as well as other miscellaneous knick-knacks and souvenirs.
Across the street from Preble Hall you’ll find the academy’s chapel, which houses John Paul Jones’ crypt. Jones is widely credited as the father of the American navy, despite his unquestionably European roots. In the crypt you’ll find Jones’ marble sarcophagus (a great step up from his original unmarked grave in Paris), as well as a history of his life and exploits. An honour guard in full dress stands watch over the crypt, although not as resolutely as the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery or the Tower of London.
If you think you can take the propaganda, you might also want to visit the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center (most people will probably go there first anyway, just because its called the visitor centre). There you’ll find displays about the academy itself, including its history in Annapolis and Newport, and its graduates (especially astronauts). I highly advise you skip the film there, unless you are considering applying to the academy, as it is chock full of [positive] information about student life, and little else. Instead, if it’s a clear day, the visitor’s center offers stunning views of the Annapolis harbor and the Chesapeake Bay from the second floor balcony. If it’s not clear, you’ll still be able to take in a clear view of all the various “Navy” merchandise a proud parent could ever want, all for sale at the gift shop.
When to Go
The Museum, and the rest of the Naval Academy attractions, are open every day year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The rest of Annapolis is a popular destination all summer long, especially on weekends, so if you go between May and October, you should expect a crowd. You should also expect crowds of people in town between January 2nd and April 10th (or so), as the Maryland State Assembly is in session. During that time, the city is packed with legislators and lobbyists, who fill up parking spaces and restaurant table surprisingly quickly.
The Museum, similar to many Annapolis attractions, is free for all comers. You can find Preble Hall and the Museum just inside the Academy’s Gate 3, on Maryland Avenue. Despite the fact that the Academy encourages people to use the Visitors Gate (Gate 1) to enter the campus, Gate 3 is also open to the public. (Fans of Tom Clancy movies might recognize Gate 3 and Maryland Avenue from Patriot Games.)
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ErgoPropterHoc
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Location: Evanston, IL
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