Exhibits

An exciting new exhibit is now open! The exhibit promises to captivate history enthusiasts and military history buffs alike, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich historical significance of naval exploration and its impact on global affairs. It offers visitors a unique look at what life was like on board the ship.

Featuring the history of the USS Yorktown, this exhibit tells the story from the ship’s construction throughout its service career and decommissioning to its home as a museum ship at Patriots Point beginning in 1975.

This exhibit holds the largest displayed collection of USS Franklin (CV-13) artifacts. The USS Yorktown (CV-10) and USS Franklin (CV-13) were Essex-class carriers that served as the backbone of the US Navy during World War II. Artifacts include the ship’s bell, dated 1944, Bofors 40mm guns, and the helmet and rosary of Medal of Honor recipient, Father Joseph T. O’Callahan.

This exhibit commemorates the events and men of the Battle of Midway in June 1942. Historic photos, ship’s bell, scaled model of CV-5 and more feature the details of the battle’s events and participants.

In December 1968 the USS Yorktown retrieved the crew and spacecraft of Apollo 8 at the end of its mission as the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth’s orbit and circle the moon. This replica of the capsule enables visitors to come close to experiencing the astronauts’ journey. Visitors can enter the capsule.