Submarine Force Library & Museum
Connecticut
The Submarine Force Library & Museum in Groton, Connecticut, is a premier naval museum dedicated to the history and technology of submarines. Established originally in 1955 by the Electric Boat Company and later donated to the U.S. Navy, it now serves as the sole museum managed exclusively by the Naval History & Heritage Command. The museum houses over 33,000 artifacts, including the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, which famously traveled beneath the polar ice cap to reach the North Pole during the Cold War. Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the Nautilus, gaining insight into its pioneering technology and missions. The collection also features a replica of David Bushnell's Turtle, the first combat submarine from 1775, midget submarines from World War II, and the sail section of the USS George Washington, the first nuclear ballistic missile submarine, displayed outdoors. The museum's library contains an extensive archive of documents, photographs, and books, including rare historical texts and unique submarine development records. Renowned for its comprehensive exhibits and historical significance, the museum offers a unique educational experience for military history enthusiasts and general visitors alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit is during the warmer months for comfortable outdoor viewing of exhibits like the USS George Washington sail. Advance tickets or reservations are recommended to ensure entry, especially during weekends and holidays. Discounts may be available for military personnel, seniors, and students. Allow at least 90 to 120 minutes to fully explore the museum and take the self-guided audio tour of the USS Nautilus.
Interesting facts
- •USS Nautilus was the first nuclear-powered submarine, launched in 1954 and decommissioned in 1980.
- •The Nautilus was the first submarine to travel under the polar ice cap and reach the North Pole during the Cold War.
- •The museum holds a replica of the Turtle, the first combat submarine used in 1775.
- •The sail of the USS George Washington, the first nuclear ballistic missile submarine, is displayed outdoors at the museum.
- •The library contains rare documents including John Philip Holland's notes and an 1870 edition of Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas with a model of the fictional Nautilus.
History
Founded in 1955 as the Submarine Library by the Electric Boat Company, the museum was donated to the U.S.
Navy in 1964 and moved to its current location adjacent to the Naval Submarine Base New London.
It was officially named the Submarine Force Library and Museum in 1969.
In 1986, a new 14,000-square-foot facility was opened following fundraising efforts to enhance the museum, including the acquisition of the USS Nautilus.
A significant expansion was completed in 2000, coinciding with the centennial celebration of the U.S.
Submarine Force, further enlarging exhibit space and visitor facilities.
Place Guide
USS Nautilus (SSN-571)1954
The world's first nuclear-powered submarine, launched in 1954, notable for its historic polar expedition during the Cold War. Visitors can explore the submarine via a 30-minute self-guided audio tour, experiencing its control room and living quarters.
Replica of Bushnell's Turtle1775
A full-scale replica of the first combat submarine built in 1775, representing early American ingenuity in underwater warfare during the Revolutionary War.
USS George Washington Sail Section1959
The sail (conning tower) from the USS George Washington, the first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, displayed outdoors near the museum entrance.
Submarine Force Library and Museum Archives
A vast collection of approximately 20,000 documents, 30,000 photographs, and 6,000 books related to submarine history, including rare historical texts and personal notes by submarine pioneers.
Contact
Phone: (800) 343-0079
