Main Hall Text Descriptions

Text descriptions for the images from the Main Hall Gallery-

Edward Preble: Edward Preble, for whom the Museum building is named, is most noted for his prosecution of the war against the Barbary pirates in the early 1800s. Many of U.S. Navy's early leaders learned their skills of command and leadership under the tutelage of Commodore Preble.

Lake Erie: The Battle of Lake Erie, fought in September 1813, was one of the most important naval engagements of the War of 1812. In addition to a model of Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship Lawrence is a sextant originally owned by the British commander, Robert Heriot Barclay, and given to Perry for his humanitarian treatment of wounded British sailors.

M C Perry: Matthew C. Perry, younger brother of Oliver, was one of the foremost leaders of the antebellum Navy. He was instrumental in introducing steam power into the Navy, promoted the idea of a naval school, commanded the Home Squadron during the war with Mexico, and initiated contacts that eventually opened American trade with Japan. Artifacts and documents relating to Perry's expedition to Japan are displayed in the Museum.

Gallery Center: A detailed model of the frigate Constitution, a model of the Confederate raider Alabama, and a display of Civil War artifacts dominate the central portion of the Main Hall of the Museum.

Naval School: One exhibit bay of the Main Hall is devoted to the founding, and early years, of the Naval Academy. Mementoes of George Bancroft, the Secretary of the Navy who founded the Naval School in 1845, and of Franklin Buchanan, the first Superintendent, are featured along with an early midshipman's uniform.

Silver: It is a tradition in the Navy that when a major ship is commissioned a state or community will present that ship with a silver service. Some of that is displayed in the Museum, along with pieces commissioned to recognize special acts of courage or bravery.

Art Gallery: The Museum has an extensive collection of fine art from some of the world's best artists. A small gallery mounts an exhibition of a few of the Museum's holdings.