Naval War College Museum Reopens

            With the completion of the overhaul to the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, the museum staff has been busy with the re-installation and update of the various exhibits around the museum.  A visit to the Naval War College Museum is one of the best offerings in Newport and, with no admission fee, it is definitely the best value.

            When the Naval War College Museum on January 4, the public will be able to view the two new exhibits that have been installed.  The DEEP FREEZE:The Seabees in Antarctica, 1955-1956 with its art and artifacts.  Rhode Island had a strong connection with Operation DEEP FREEZE.  For over twenty years the mission was supported by the Seabees from MCB (Special) Detachment One based at Davisville, Rhode Island.  Their specialty was the use of materials and equipment designed for extreme cold weather.  Antarctic Development Squadron Six (VXE-6) provided air logistical support to the units on the ice.  Their homeport was NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, until the base was closed.

            The second exhibit being shown, The Face of Nelson, will have the life mask of Admiral Lord Nelson along with period art.  The life mask is dated 1798 and this was a most eventful year is Nelson’s life as he gained fame for his defeat of the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile.  During the battle Nelson received a near-fatal head wound and was sent ashore to recover in Naples where he was entertained by Sir William and Lady Hamilton.  Nelson would die during the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.  His body was carried back to England and he was buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

            Museum staff have installed a new conservation frame for a recently conserved c. 1890 instructional illustration of a spar torpedo boat. This "torpedo linen" is mounted to a specially designed panel using rare earth magnets. The non-invasive mounting system will allow the museum to rotate more of these drawings for future exhibition. Until now only one of the thirty-three drawings in the museum's collection has ever been exhibited.

            As you can see, we have a lot going on with the Naval War College Museum.  So, whether you want to visit a favorite exhibit or see our new offerings, please stop in Mondays- Fridays from 10:00 to 4:30.  For more information, contact the museum at 841-4052/2101. 

John W. Kennedy
Director of Education and Community Outreach