The Museum

On January 12, 2009, the Naval History and Heritage Command established the Great Lakes Naval Museum as the newest US Naval Museum in the United States.

The Museum's Mission

The mission of the Great Lakes Naval Museum is to select, collect, preserve, and interpret the history of the United States Navy's Enlisted Sailor with particular emphasis on the Navy's only "boot camp" at Naval Station Great Lakes in Great Lakes, Illinois.

The Foundation's Vision

To realize its mission, the Museum, with guidance and assistance from the Foundation, is renovating its historic building, previously known as the "Hostess House", to house this modern museum providing visitors with an interactive, multi-media experience designed to accomplish the museum's goals as set forth in its mission statement. The Foundation also envisions that this facility will provide the United States Navy Training Command with event space for various military and affiliated group functions and, receptions.

In addition, the Foundation supports the museum as a cultural and educational institution dedicated to preserving and sharing its growing historical collections and extensive archives with service men and women, visitors and community. We connect the past to the future so all generations will understand and appreciate the richness of the United States Navy training and "boot camp".

To view the Museum's official website go to Naval History and Heritage Command