Submarine Force Museum Home of Historic Ship Nautilus
Upcoming Events
Summer Programs
- July 10: SUBMARINE PATCHES
Every submarine has its own unique patch. See some real ones in the Museum's patch displays and then make your own to take home! - July 16: BOTTLE ROCKETS
July 20 marks the 50th anniversary of the first launching of a Polaris missile from a submerged submarine. Celebrate by creating your own plastic-bottle rocket and launching it in our parking lot. See how high it flies! - July 24: BATTLE FLAGS
Many subs, especially those that fought in World War II, designed battle flags to celebrate their accomplishments. Take a look at some real flags and then make one to take home! - July 30: HALFWAY DAY
Mark the midpoint of summer the way submariners mark the midpoint of their time at sea – with special games and activities! - August 7: SUBMARINES & TARGETS
Submariners like to say there are two kinds of ships: submarines and targets.Learn how subs launch torpedoes by making your own and then "firing" it at a target. - August 14: PAPER-TOWEL-TUBE SUBS
The Museum is filled with models of all different kinds of submarines. Have a look at a few and then try your hand at making one out of a paper-towel tube. - August 21: SOUND-POWERED PHONES
The phones used on subs are powered only by the sound of your voice. Try out some of the Museum's sound-powered phones and then make your own version with cups and string. - August 28: SHIPS' BELLS
Every sub has its own bell – and they're loud! Try making one of your own – which won't be quite as noisy – with a flowerpot and a jingle bell. - September 4 (Labor DayWeekend): ZIPPER PULLS
Sailors who qualify as submariners earn their "fish," a special pin they wear on their uniforms. Get your own fish by making a zipper pull using colorful marine-themed beads. Perfect for a jacket or backpack!
All programs run 10 AM - 3 PM, are free, and no registration is required!
Fall Upkeep Closings:
Museum will be closed November 1 - 5
NAUTILUS will be closed November 1 - 14
The museum and ship will be closed starting Monday, November 1, 2010. The museum reopens on November 6, 2010 and the ship reopens on November 15, 2010 when we switch over to Winter Hours.
Recent Museum Events
Spring Upkeep Closing:
The museum and ship will be closed starting Monday, April 19, 2010. The museum reopens on April 23, 2010 and the ship reopens on May 1, 2010 when we switch over to Summer Hours.
April 10-12 & 14-18, 2010:
9,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Photos Available in our Gallery!
From April 10-12 and April 14-18, the Submarine Force Museum in Groton will be hosting "9,000 Leagues Under the Sea," an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of USS TRITON's first-ever submerged circumnavigation of the world.
- Travel around the Museum and learn about the historic voyage.
- View the same sights TRITON's crewmembers saw through the sub's periscope.
- Participate in hands-on activities relating to some of the places she passed during her journey.
- Learn more about TRITON, which was the only American submarine to be powered by two nuclear reactors and whose sail still holds the record as the largest one ever constructed for a U.S. sub.
There is no cost for museum entry or to participate in the event.
February 13-15, 17-21 (not Tuesday), 2010:
Become a Bubblehead
Photos Available in our Gallery!
Have some free time this Winter Break? The Submarine Force Museum is "launching" 4 giant paper submarines and we need you to join their crews!
Stop by the Submarine Force Museum from 9 am - 4 pm!
- Add a drawing of your face to the boat of your choice.
- Receive a plank-owner certificate
- Enter a raffle to win one of the sub (Prizes are the actual paper submarine models)
- Free! No registration required.
- All ages are welcome.
October 31, 2009: Celebrate Halloween on a Submarine!
Photos Available in our Gallery!
Stop by the Submarine Force Museum on October 31 from 3 - 8 pm! We’ll have not-so-scary stories and movies, a spooky scavenger hunt, creepy crafts, and, of course, candy! USS Nautilus and her Sailors will be dressed for the occasion, so don’t miss your chance to take a special tour! Costumes welcome! FREE admission!
Sneak Peek Photos Available in our Gallery!
August 3, 2009: Our Final Summer Activity Day!
Photos Available in our Gallery!
Join us on August 3 from 10am to 3pm as we celebrate the 51st anniversary of USS Nautilus’s arrival at the North Pole with a day of fun-filled activities!
- Help draw a map of Nautilus’s North Pole adventure using sidewalk chalk—and then travel the boat’s route on foot!
- Send a message the Navy way! Ask and answer questions using signal flags, Morse Code, and periscopes!
- Build with "ice cubes," take a break with some submarine stories, or—back by popular demand—design a LEGO sub!
- Create your own periscope to take home!
- Go on a scavenger hunt as you tour the museum—there’s a prize if you finish!
Submarine Community Events
If you would like to include announcements on this page concerning special events within the submarine community, please contact our secretary toll free at 1-800-343-0079 (local visitors may call (860) 694-3174) or Contact the Appropriate Person in Regards to your Inquiry with our Contact Form.