Give Today. Build Tomorrow.
Your gift ensures the legacy of service inspires generations to come.
“The Navy has both a tradition and a future — and we look with pride and confidence in both directions.”
-Fleet Admiral Ernest King
More Than a Museum. A Movement.
At its heart, this is about connection and purpose.
A sailor. A ship. A story.
Each creates a spark that links us to something greater than ourselves.
The National Museum of the Surface Navy is being built to carry that spark forward — connecting every American to the sailors and ships that safeguard freedom of the seas, and inspiring future generations to discover purpose through service.
Through pop culture and immersive storytelling, visitors will step into the role of a sailor — feeling the camaraderie, responsibility, and resilience that define life at sea. They will see how freedom of the seas connects nations, communities, and people, shaping the opportunities we depend on every day.
This is more than artifacts or exhibits. It’s about honoring service, inspiring purpose, and building connection across generations.
Join us. The journey is just beginning. Show your support and become a Plank Owner for free today — and for a limited time, receive a commemorative certificate.
DONATE TODAY
Donate Today
Be Part of Building the Immersive Museum that Connects America.
Your gift today turns vision into reality. Together, under the leadership of Pacific Battleship Center — the nonprofit steward of Battleship IOWA and LA Fleet Week — we are transforming the lessons learned from inspiring millions into a national museum that honors sailors, connects communities, and secures the story of freedom of the seas for generations to come.
Start Here — Become a Plank Owner (FREE!)
The simplest way to join the movement is by becoming a Plank Owner — free to join and open to all. You’ll be recognized as a charter supporter and stay connected as the museum comes to life.
Other Ways to Give Today
- Donate Now – Fuel the mission with a one-time or recurring gift.
- Sponsor a Paver – Place your name, or the name of someone you wish to honor, in the Walk of Honor.
- Honor a Ship – Help bring the Great Ships experience to life by sponsoring one of over 500 vessels.
- Honor a Sailor – Sponsor a sailor in our Life of a Sailor program to keep their story alive.
- Gift In Kind – Contribute valuable goods or services that directly support the museum’s mission and operations.
Start your journey today — and together, let’s build the immersive museum of the future.
General
Support
DONATE ONLINE
PLANK OWNER
GIFT IN KIND
Tribute
Opportunities
HONOR A SHIP
HONOR A SAILOR
TRIBUTE PAVERS
Mailing Address: Pacific Battleship Center, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731 | Phone: 877-446-9261 ext. 747
Donations to Pacific Battleship Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit, are tax deductible subject to certain limits and restrictions imposed by tax laws. Consult a tax professional for specific advice. Pacific Battleship Center’s tax ID for donation purposes is 26-3934742.
Plank Owner Patron – Our Free Supporter Program
Step aboard as a Plank Owner Patron of the National Museum of the Surface Navy. This free supporter program is open to everyone — military, veterans, families, and civilians — and it’s the easiest way to show your support and follow our progress as the museum comes to life.
👉 Receive your free digital commemorative certificate (limited-time offer).
👉 Recognition on the Quarterdeck of Honor with aggregate donations over $25.
As a Plank Owner Patron, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in our exclusive Haze Gray Points program — earning points toward exclusive gear, invites, and programs that keep you connected to the museum and its mission.
Why Join?
- Free to join — anyone can become a Plank Owner Patron
- Stay connected with updates, stories, and museum milestones
- Receive your digital commemorative certificate (limited-time offer)
- Recognition on the Quarterdeck of Honor with aggregate donations over $25
- Earn Haze Gray Points for access to exclusive gear, invites, and programs
- Be part of the founding supporters that makes this movement possible.
DISCLAIMER. Registering as a “Plank Owner” Charter Member entitles you to a free digital certificate. Printed certificates are reserved for Plank Owner Charter Member’s that donate $25 or more. As a Plank Owner, you will receive updates, invitations, and recognition as a museum Plank Owner. It may take up to 10 days for donations to reflect in your listing and upgrade your status. The Haze Gray points system is in development to be released in 2025, subject to delays. All donations, volunteer hours, and numerated support will be applied to your Haze Gray account retroactively. If you choose to donate without logging in, we will strive to match your donation up to an existing record. If we are unable to locate a record, we will create one for your contribution. Plank Owner Charter Member, Haze Gray, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy are all programs of the 501(c)3 non-profit the Pacific Battleship Center. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Consult with your tax advisor for more details.
John Paul Jones Legacy Society
Your contribution can carry forward a mission of service — and be celebrated today.
Planned giving is a lasting way to reflect your values — supporting education, honoring service, and protecting history. By including Pacific Battleship Center, steward of Battleship IOWA, LA Fleet Week, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy, in your estate plans, you ensure this mission of connection and purpose endures for generations.
With your legacy gift, you will:
- Secure the future of the National Museum of the Surface Navy — ensuring the story of freedom of the seas and those who safeguard it lives on.
- Honor veterans by preserving and sharing their powerful stories of courage, sacrifice, and service.
- Inspire future generations through immersive, world-class experiences that connect youth to purpose, leadership, and maritime careers.
- Strengthen communities by supporting programs that promote peace, resilience, and civic engagement.
- Be recognized today as a member of the John Paul Jones Legacy Society, joining a community of leaders honored for their foresight and dedication.
- Leave your own legacy — one rooted in patriotism, leadership, and purpose, ensuring your values endure for generations.
Your planned gift will shape the future of a national movement — and your recognition in the John Paul Jones Legacy Society will inspire others to follow in your wake.
CAMPAIGNS
Changing lives by investing in community.
Capital & Infrastructure
Program
Events
PATRON CIRCLES
Honoring supporters whose generosity makes a lasting difference.
FAQ’s & MORE INFORMATION
Organization Information
Who or what is the Pacific Battleship Center?
The Pacific Battleship Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates the Battleship IOWA Museum, LA Fleet Week, and the future National Museum of the Surface Navy. Our mission is to honor service, educate youth, and inspire civic engagement through programs rooted in maritime heritage, veterans support, and community resilience.
Our focus is on people, not artifacts, and on creating impact through programs that inspire purpose, spark curiosity, and bring people together in meaningful ways.
- Learn more about our purpose and people.
- View our financial information.
- View our most recent news and updates.
What is your Vision & Mission?
Our Vision
To inspire global awareness of freedom of the seas.
Our Mission
To ignite curiosity, connect communities, and enhance understanding of America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.
Is the Pacific Battleship Center a reputable nonprofit organization?
Yes. The Pacific Battleship Center is a trusted and transparent 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to fiscal responsibility, mission-driven impact, and public accountability.
We are proud to be recognized by leading nonprofit evaluators:
✅ Gold Seal of Transparency on Guidestar – View our Guidestar profile
⭐ Charity Navigator Rated – See our Charity Navigator rating
Our EIN (Tax ID) is 26-3934742. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
If you have any questions or need documentation for your giving records, please contact us at development@surfacenavymuseum.org.
What are the ways I can support your mission?
There are many impactful ways to support the Pacific Battleship Center and the future National Museum of the Surface Navy. Whether you want to give financially, volunteer your time, or leave a legacy, your contribution helps us honor service, educate youth, and strengthen our community. You can:
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Make a one-time or recurring donation – Give Now
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Leave a legacy through planned giving – Explore Legacy Options
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Contribute an in-kind donation – Contact us at development@labattleship.org
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Volunteer aboard Battleship IOWA – Sign Up to Volunteer
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Support a capital project – From exhibits to preservation, see current priorities
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Sponsor a program or event – See our programs and/or email development@surfacenavymuseum.org to explore opportunities
Every gift—no matter how it’s given—makes a lasting difference.
Will I receive a tax deduction for my donation?
Yes. The Pacific Battleship Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
After your gift is processed, you will receive an acknowledgment letter or email that can be used for your tax records.
Tax ID (EIN): 26-3934742
If you have any questions about your donation or need a duplicate receipt, please contact us at development@labattleship.com.
If I'm mailing a donation, who should I make the check payable to?
We are located aboard the historic Battleship USS Iowa at the Port of Los Angeles on the LA Waterfront in San Pedro, one of the most vibrant and diverse waterfront communities in Southern California.
Please make checks payable to Pacific Battleship Center. You can mail them to:
Pacific Battleship Center
250 S. Harbor Blvd.
San Pedro, CA 90731
I’d prefer to donate over the phone. Is that possible?
Yes! We’re happy to assist you with a donation by phone.
Please call us at (877) 446-9261 and select the option for Development or Donations.
Our team will ensure your gift is processed securely and answer any questions you may have.
Giving Opportunities
What programs do you offer?
Our programs fall under three core pillars — Education, Veterans, and Community — each focused on building bridges, inspiring curiosity, and fostering human connection. We use history as a platform, not a destination, creating inclusive spaces where people can discover purpose, relate across differences, and contribute to something greater than themselves.
🧭 Education
We ignite curiosity and inspire purpose through immersive experiences that connect people to stories of service, innovation, and leadership. Our education efforts reach both youth and the general public, creating learning environments that challenge, engage, and empower.
Programs include:
- Battleship IOWA Experience
- Life of a Sailor (coming in 2026)
- National Museum of the Surface Navy (coming in 2026)
- Camp Battleship Youth Overnight Encampment
- STEAM at Sea, Day of Discovery, and Field Trips
- Youth Career Pathways (coming in 2026)
➤ Support Education Programs today: Donate online →
🎖 Veterans
We serve those who served by fostering connection, identity, and opportunity beyond the uniform. Our veterans programs are designed to reduce isolation, celebrate service, and create new pathways through soft-skills training, mentorship, and workforce access.
Programs include:
- Transition Pathways
- Skillbridge
- Veterans Ceremonies & Events
- Comradery & Purpose
- Freedom of the Seas Pavilion (Veterans Resource Center – opening 2026)
Learn more about our Veterans Programs.
➤ Support Military & Veterans Programs today: Donate online →
🌎 Community
We activate public space, civic dialogue, and shared experiences that bring people together. Whether through regional resilience, neighborhood events, or national celebrations, our community programs strengthen trust, pride, and preparedness.
Programs include:
- Battleship IOWA Volunteer Crew
- LA Fleet Week
- Freedom of the Seas Park & Pavilion
- Los Angeles Disaster Resilience and Recovery Collective (LADRRC)
- Public Events & Community Engagement
➤ Support Community Resilience Programs today: Donate online →
➤ Support Volunteer Programs today: Donate online →
Can my gift support a specific capital campaign or infrastructure project?
Yes! We welcome donors who wish to invest in transformational capital projects that will shape the future of our mission. Current capital priorities include:
National Museum of the Surface Navy — Opening in October 2025, this will be the first museum in the nation dedicated to the Surface Navy, featuring immersive storytelling and leadership experiences.
➤ Support the museum: Donate online →
Freedom of the Seas Pavilion — A 550-person waterfront venue supporting community programs, education, ceremonies, and events (opening in 2026).
Freedom of the Seas Park — A dynamic public space with memorials, monuments, and outdoor exhibits honoring service and maritime heritage.
➤ Want to leave your mark? Sponsor a Legacy Paver →
Battleship IOWA Preservation and Maintenance — Critical restoration and upkeep of Battleship IOWA to ensure she remains a living symbol of freedom and service.
➤ Support the ship today: Donate online →
To learn more about naming opportunities, sponsorships, or leadership gifts, please contact us at development@surfacenavymuseum.org.
Do you offer monthly giving options?
Yes — and it’s one of the most impactful ways to support our mission long term.
When you donate online, simply select the “Make this a monthly donation” option.
Recurring donations help us plan ahead and sustain programs for veterans, students, and the community year-round.
Even small monthly gifts add up to big impact over time.
Can I dedicate my donation to someone special?
Yes! You can make a donation in honor or in memory of a loved one, veteran, friend, or shipmate.
During the donation process, simply indicate it’s a tribute gift and include the name of the individual in the “Write a note” box online or by adding it to the memo section of your check.
You can also choose to have an acknowledgment sent to their family or another recipient if you’d like. Please email development@labattleship.com or call 877-446-9261, if you would like us to send an acknowledgment to their family.
Tribute gifts are a powerful way to celebrate life, service, and legacy.
Can my foundation or donor-advised fund (DAF) make a grant to support your work?
Absolutely! We gladly accept grants from foundations, charitable trusts, and donor-advised funds. Contact us at development@labattleship.com or 877-446-9261 for grant-specific documentation or assistance.
Can my employer match my donation?
Yes! We participate in most employer matching gift programs. Check with your HR or benefits team—your gift could be doubled or even tripled. Need help? Reach out and we’ll gladly assist.
Can my company's ERG or team volunteer together?
Absolutely! We welcome employee groups, veterans’ ERGs, and company volunteer teams aboard Battleship IOWA for meaningful service projects. To schedule a group opportunity, email volunteer@labattleship.com.
Can I donate personal or family military artifacts to the museum?
We accept select artifacts that support the mission and exhibit themes of Battleship IOWA or the National Museum of the Surface Navy. To inquire, please contact our curatorial team at collections@labattleship.com before sending any items.
