The Central Gallery will serve as the entrance and provide visitors a general overview of the history of the Cold War. A Trident missile, representing the Navy's important nuclear deterrent role, serves as the signature artifact.
“It is imperative that we pay tribute by telling the stories of the brave men and women who served and sacrificed during this significant time in our history.”
The Cold War was a struggle on many levels - economic, scientific, political, military, and ideological - between the nations that emerged victorious from World War II. For nearly half a century, the United States Navy played a crucial role in the high-stakes Cold War conflict. Yet today, many Americans, especially the youngest, have little understanding of the contributions made by the Navy's Cold War veterans.
The Navy, recognizing the critical roles its Sailors performed, has begun work on a new Cold War Gallery for the National Museum of the United States Navy at the Washington Navy Yard. Having completed a $2.6 million renovation of a historic structure next to the current museum, the Navy has asked the Naval Historical Foundation to raise funds within the private sector for the design and installation of exhibits similar in quality to those of the Smithsonian Institution.
We seek your support to recognize the Honor, Courage, and Commitment of the men and women of the Navy who served and sacrificed. Whether they battled in the Mekong Delta, patrolled off the approaches of Murmansk, or flew from carriers stationed off Korea and Vietnam, these Americans deserve to have their stories told. Scheduled to open in 2009, the gallery will be a fitting tribute - and an important education experience for all.
For more information, please email nhfwny@navyhistory.org or call 202-678-4333.