MUSEUM CAMPAIGN

The story of the Surface Navy is large, multi-faceted, and complex. It requires a comprehensive solution that integrates interactive and immersive exhibits that interpret the Navy’s rich history and provide hands-on opportunities to see, touch and feel the ships that are the US Navy.   Addressing the vision of the Surface Navy story requires reimagining the existing Battleship IOWA Museum with the following features (some of which are existing):

• National Museum of the Surface Navy: The Surface Navy story and exhibit area will be located on the second deck of the Battleship IOWA Museum with a theater space located on the third deck. Approximately 20,000 sq. ft. is committed to the NMSN project excluding the bridge, combat engagement center, engineering, and other designated active ship functions.
• Programs designed to engage guests that include IOWA’s three pillars of focus: Education, military & veterans, and community.
• Revenue generating activities that are innovative and accommodating to guest needs and interests.
• Site Improvements

IOWA’s second deck will serve as the focal point of the NMSN with exhibits that describe the critical roles of the Surface Navy worldwide. This repurposed space will occupy approximately half of IOWA’s second deck. Access to the NMSN will use existing gangways, forward hatches, and elevators to the second and third decks. The end of the exhibit places guests in the Museum Store. Exhibits and content themes will represent the diverse community of the Surface Navy on which America’s sailors serve. Represented will be mission areas such as ASW, Combat Systems, and Riverine, as well as tribes such as Cruiser/Destroyers, “Gator” Navy, Fleet Marine Forces, Auxiliaries, Rotary Wing, and others. Additional content themes may include conflicts such as 1812, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as Surface Navy ideals including honor, courage, and commitment. Included also in the Second Deck exhibit space will be the supporting communities of Military Sealift Command, Navy Supply Corps, Medical Service Corps, Technology, and US Marine Corps which support the Surface Navy. These exhibits will focus on engaging personal stories told in multimedia presentations and by trained and articulate tour guides. Guided and self-guided tour options for other areas of the ship will be offered an ala-carte basis to highlight specific topics or areas of interest. Guided tours will provide an immersive first-person experience. Self-guided options will continue to offer mobile technology for guests. Tours will depart from the second deck museum and end in the Museum Store.

YOUR MUSEUM

This museum is a community effort that will require all hands (civilians and veterans) on deck.

How can you help?

• Sign up to be a Plank Owner.
• Contribute (cash, in-kind, stock, real estate, planned giving, etc.)
• Become a volunteer.
• Spread the word.
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
• Have an idea? Let us know!