OVERVIEW
TRADITION HAS IT THAT
 on a late October's day in 1884, Commodore Stephen B. Luce, USN,
was rowed from the flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron anchored off Newport
to Coasters Harbor Island two miles north of the center of Newport, a site designated
earlier that month by the Secretary of the Navy for a new kind of college. Once
on the island, Luce proceeded to a large stone building, the former Newport Asylum
for the Poor, climbed its rickety stairs, and as he opened the front door solemnly
announced to his few companions and the empty grounds, "Poor little poorhouse, I
christen thee United States Naval War College."
HISTORIC LANDMARK
Today the "little poorhouse" is a well preserved and stately structure, a National
Historic Landmark and home to the Naval War College Museum.
Named Founders Hall in honor of the founding fathers of the College, it is uniquely
suited for its current purpose. In addition to being the original site of the College,
it is where Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan, USN, second president (1886-1889) and subsequently
a renowned naval historian, first delivered his lectures on sea power—lectures which
were first published in 1890 as the epochal The Influence of Sea Power upon History,
1660-1783.
COLLECTION and EXHIBIT THEMES
The Museum's themes are the history of naval warfare, particularly as studied at
the College, and the naval heritage of Narragansett Bay—a tale that begins with
the nation's colonial roots. Its collection consists of items relating to these
subjects that are perceived to be of value to scholarship, and it forms the core
for exhibits throughout the College and for educational outreach projects. Besides
permanent exhibits on the College, the genesis of the Navy in the region, and the
evolution of permanent naval installations from the late nineteenth century to the
present, the Museum features short-term special exhibits relating to College curriculum
and to current naval-related topics. In general, Museum exhibits identify milestones
in the evolutionary development of war at sea; explain the significance of the sea
as a factor in the formulation and the attainment of national policy objectives;
describe the character, educational philosophy, and mission of the College; and
chronicle the eventful relationship of the U.S. Navy with Narragansett Bay and its
people.
SERVICES
While the Museum is primarily for the education and the edification of the Naval
War College community, it is in a larger sense the corporate memory of the Navy
in the region, and it serves as a clearinghouse for naval history information in
New England. The Museum Director, a subjects-area specialist, and staff answer inquiries,
provide guidance and orientation talks to visitors on regional naval history and
current exhibits, and assist scholarly researchers in the use of the Museum holdings.
You may also access the U.S. Navy 20th Century Ships History Database, available
on a kiosk at the museum.
HOURS
The Museum is open to the public 10 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Mondays through Fridays throughout
the year, and 12 noon-4:30 P.M. on weekends during June through September. It is
closed on holidays. Public access to the Museum with personal vehicle is through
Gate 1 of U.S. Naval Station, Newport. Tours and school buses enter through Gate
10 of the Naval Station. For reservations please call (401) 841-4052 at least one
working day in advance. Reservations and photo identification are necessary for
entry onto the Naval Station. Visitors must stop at the Pass Office before proceeding
to Gate 1.
Facilities for the handicapped are available, as is a gift shop operated by the
Naval War College Foundation (which partially funds Museum operations). Further
information on exhibits and special events is available by writing to: Director,
Naval War College Museum, Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841-1207,
or telephone (401) 841-4052/2101 (DSN 948-4052/2101). Fax (401) 841-7074 or e-mail:
museum@nwc.navy.mil
|