mare island museum

Yes, there are gaps and missing info, but what a wealth of information and resources from over a hundred years. Did you know the first version of an aircraft carrier was developed at Mare Island. And, my parents met there in 1944. You will not find all your answers, but you will be blessed way beyond the $5.

I gave the museum an average rating only because it was a little lacking in information on the FAST Company Marines that were stationed there. Otherwise, the museum was interesting to see.

If you find yourself on Mare Island, be sure to stop by and see if the museum is open. It is staffed by some wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable Senior Citizen volunteers, and a small fee is charged. There is also a great gift shop with souvenirs and books about the history of the island. The museum contains what must be hundreds of artifacts from the history of Mare Island, everything from machinery used to build ships to labor union bumper stickers. The sheer amount of ships that were built at this facility is mind-boggling. If you want an even deeper look at more of the island, the museum has tours of the old facilities, ask for details. No matter what though, be sure to walk around the museum and see the drydocks. They are truly incredible masterworks of human engineering.All in all, this is the headquarters of history on Mare Island. Be sure to stop by!

I was surprised at how much they had in the museum. Lots of WWII but also old ship stuff too! Lots of pictures. Wish we had time to go on the tour of the whole base and see the old buildings.

This musuem is part of the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation, and even though my husband spent 30 years in the Navy, I was unprepared for the size of this former Naval Shipyard...or the size of the museum itself. The Shipyard's piers, dry-docks and "wet-docks" are no longer in use, but their remains still give evidence of the importance that this facility played in our nation's history. The museum houses photos and artifacts of the people who brought vigorous life to the important functions of the shipyard. The museum is housed in the oldest building at the shipyard site--built in 1846. The area where the artifacts are exhibited has high ceilings with lots of open space. The day we visited was unusally cold by California standards, and I needed my coat, hat, and gloves as I toured the exhibits. There are a lot of pieces of equipment that I didn't recognize, but the explanatory labels with each exhibit were very helpful. My husband and I didn't have time to take a tour of the other buildings at the former shipyard, but we drove past the chapel,and the former officers' quarters--the exteriors are very impressive. I wish I could have seen the interior of the chapel because I understand the stained glass is beautiful. We did take a short walk on the San Pablo Walking Trail before the museum opened; we saw several white tailed kites which was a real treat for two easterners. The museum is definitely worth a "side trip" during a visit to the Vallejo/Benicia area.

True, the museum is small, but take the tour which includes St. Peter's Chapel and The Admiral's Quarters. St. Peter's has the largest collection on Tiffany Windows west of the Mississippi...Note the small square concrete buildings scattered along Walnut Street (officer's row) and in the Shipyard itself. These are bomb shelter bunkers, and were reserved for officers and "important people." The ordinary workers were on their own. Some of the bunkers still have a door stencil saying something like "Chief Petty Officer." The numbers on the buildings. represent the order in which they were built. This is a true piece of history. The museum itself is building 49.

The museum is quite small and needing more items to display but is educational and worth the small fee to visit.

It's all about the people. Those who worked at Mare Island, then and now. A little detour off our usual path brought great surprises. Mare Island Museum is a gem - and so overlooked. Who knew? Worth a trip on so many levels. Our docent brought forth so much information for us to take home to the family of our Dad's time spent in the Mare Island Shipyard. Terrific learning experience for all ages, especially with the declining number of WWII veterans. The Museum tells a very important story, one which needs to be appreciated and honored. Bring the kids - they need to learn what one generation did for the rest of us coming along. Loved it.

We both acquired knowledge we did not know when we visited the Museum. It is quite unassuming from the outside and immense once inside. It was fascinating to read about and see the tools, uniforms, history, struggles and stories that are archived there. We also enjoyed seeing Mare Island after driving past it numerous times.

We have lived in the area for many years, and finally decided to visit the Mare Island Naval Shipyard museum. We toured it with another couple, and all four of us were greatly impressed by the quality and quanity of exhibits, even though many were covered over as a result of a current facility rennovation project. Joyce was a most energetic and quite knowledgeable docent who gave us a marvelous "windshield" tour of the island, as well as an interior tour of the small but pretty chapel and one of the commander's homes which has also been beautifully restored. In both of these buildings, you could sense the patriotism and spirit of the rich history of the Navy at Mare Island. In a few more years, and provided they continue with the hard work of their dedicated docents and volunteers, as well as private donations in support, this will be one of the most prestigious military museums on the West Coast. A must see!!

Located at the South end of MINSY, within the Ammo Station, you will find historical items that date to the founding of the State. A short walk on the hiking path will take you to the burial place of Francis Scott Key's daughter as well. Don't rush! Just enjoy!

The docents there had many wonderful stories to tell about their experiences and the naval history that has supported our west coast for many years.

I have not been a big museum kind of guy but I was very impressed by the commitment of so many volunteers to preserve our nation's history. This group has assembled and created a time capsule full of memories that will be told and should be told for many generations. From sailing vessels to nuclar ships, from small ship to large. Our nations historic struggles to power up the war machine when called upon is all right here to absorb. The sacrifice and the joy of many Americans are all told right here. You will love it.

Very friendly lady who runs the museum. The place is piled with momentoes of Vallejo and the Mare Island Naval Base. It's like going back in time, into someone's garage to see things they've collected for the past century. Interesting gee-gaws can be purchased.

This is a museum that seems to have few professional staff and very dedicated volunteers. The exhibits address not only the naval constructrion, et al, but also the social issues created by a diverse weorkforce including racial minorities and women.