Put on your walking shoes and join us on a fascinating walkabout of one of Washington, DC’s oldest military facilities! This tour will have a special focus on the Civil War.
Virginia's secession in 1861 placed the nation's capital in a difficult position. Confederate forces had support just outside of Washington City. The Washington Navy Yard was still repairing ships while testing artillery, acting as a communications hub, and aiding the city's defense. While this struggle for national identity continued, yard workers fought for higher wages and better hours, and enslaved workers finally received their freedom. Navy yard workers were also called upon in July 1864, 160 years ago, to defend their yard immediately following the Battle of Fort Stevens just at the capital's gates. Join your tour guide and learn more about the people, places, and objects that tell the story of an essential chapter of American history.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Head coverings, sunscreen, and sunglasses can be helpful during the summer months. Please also consider bringing bottled water.
Parking: There is no parking at Washington Navy Yard; however, paid and free parking is located in various areas surrounding the yard.
Note: You can sign up for a morning tour at 10:30am, or an afternoon tour at 1:30pm. Meet your NMUSN tour guide on foot at the 11th and O St. SE gate at 10am for the morning tour, and 1pm for the afternoon tour. Please be prompt.
Remaining tours for the year:
July 27
August 10 and 24
September 13 and 28
Register for all tours on Eventbrite or e-mail the National Museum of the United States Navy at: NHHC_NMUSNNavyMuseum@us.navy.mil
Photos by NMUSN
