Conserving and Preserving Naval History

Historic Collections

Over the course of its more than 50 year history, the Naval War College Foundation (NWCF) has worked with philanthropically minded collectors, veterans, and supporters who have donated the thousands of historically significant items that have built its collection. These include important documents, sculptures, photographs, medals, uniforms, swords, and journals.

In addition to the NWCF’s collection, the Naval War College Museum houses a collection that includes three-dimensional objects, art, and photographs that are used to infuse history into the curriculum at the U.S. Naval War College. Similarly, the Archives serve as a repository for historic records that preserve information and personal stories, illuminating the critical issues of past and future naval warfare; joint planning at the strategic, operational, and tactical level; and the role of the U.S. Navy in the local, national, and global community. The Archives consists of manuscripts, oral histories, special collections, and rare books. Both the Archives’ and the Museum’s extensive collections are internationally significant, containing items pertinent to naval warfare, strategy, and policy.

We are pleased to feature a few of the special items from these collections as part of this Spotlight Series.