The USS New Jersey Museum operated by the Home Port Alliance is responsible for operating the finest example of a U S Navy fighting ship ever built. I served in six ships and have visited over a dozen ships operated as museums but never have I seen one which stands out as such an example of what a museum ship should look like. The pride of those volunteers who maintain the ship is evident in every aspect of the ship from the uppermost level to the very bilges. I am proud to have served in her and excited every chance I get to visit her.
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As a former crew member, September 1967 to December 1969, I find that the Home Port Alliance has done an outstanding job of presenting the ship as it was when operating. I am impressed with the state of preservation. My only disappointment is in the wooden decks. I know that they are trying to raise funds to replace the decks and I support that. I understand that the State of New Jersey is once again contributing some funds for the upkeep, but they could certainly do more.
The Battleship New Jersey is an outstanding Museum and Memorial for American history in World War II,
Korea, Vietnam and in the Middle East. the Docents are well trained, they have an outstanding on
board Camp for both young and old.
The crew is constantly working with Volunteers to tell the ships story.
It is the most decorated battleship in US Navy History.
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I have visited many historic military and older ships. They all have interesting points, but the
Battleship New Jersey has the best restoration, outstanding docents both doing tours and at various stations around the ship and places to sit and talk with volunteers who work on
the ship. It is open convienent hours and has transportation from the parking lots.
I have visited four memorial battleships. Was aboard USS New Jersey in September 2022. The site was fairly easy to find, ample nearby parking. Getting aboard was easy. Having worked in a naval shipyard (Norfolk) I did my own tour (I had previously looked over some ship deck plans.) Getting around was only hindered because there was ongoing restoration blocking some of the "self-guided" tour routes. I easily found my way around those problems. Volunteers were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and were willing to chat about anything I wanted to know. Plentiful exhibits and informative postings. Was pleasantly surprised by the excellent material condition considering the age of the ship. Hope to return in late 2023 to see recently restored areas and places I missed on my first visit. Very nice souvenir shop, employees were friendly and helpful.
I've taken my kids to the Battleship many times. It provides a unique adventure while doing a fantastic job teaching about the history of our nation's navy, engineering, military service and politics.
The Battleship is a floating history book. It preserves the best of America at the front door of the birthplace of our Country. The staff is friendly, accommodating and really are eager to share the history fthe Battleship.
The Home Port Alliance is not just in charge of a floating museum, it is a living, hands on display of what the American people can design, produce and then use to protect the free world. I started Sep. 2019 being a volunteer on the Battleship New Jersey. I was quite suprised how well the full time, part time and volunteers worked toward the same common goal. The training was designed to make even a non Naval person be able to tell the great story of this ship. The last few years have been a challenge but the leadership stayed on point to keep the museum open and people working toward the same goal. Great leadership backed up by good people working toward the same goal will keep Battleship New Jersey a living testament to everyone who helped build it, who served on it and her new keeper, Home Port Alliance.
What can you say about a Treasure like the Battleship New Jersey, a warship that served its country In World War II, Korea, Vietnam Nam and the Persian Gulf. This ship is a memorial to the men and women that built it, launched it and served on it.a visit to this ship should be a requirement for all America’s school children to visit to learn about the dedication to Freedom all these people had.
My wife and I visited the New Jersey on our recent trip to Philadelphia and when I found it to be a short trip across the Delaware,it was made a priority.Prior to making the trip I purchased some teak from the ship to help in the preservation efforts.It was the best tour I’ve been on with so much to see and experience.The people were friendly and accommodating,answering questions and seeing that everyone was on the right path to seeing history.
Our family has fond memories of my son sleeping over on the USS New Jersey for Boy Scouts. Your volunteers are so friendly and knowledgeable! The maritime history is breath taking. My father served in the US Navy, Gd bless him. We should honor those who served our country to protect and defend our land and our freedoms. The USS Battleship NJ is a part of American history that needs to stay around to teach it's lessons to generations to come. Thank you to all the volunteers and supporters who keep this ship floating!
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My children have slept on the Battleship for Scouts and had a great time! When I visited the USS NJ I felt my father's Naval stories come alive! I'm so grateful that this piece of history is being kept alive for all generations to learn from and enjoy! These volunteers who give tours, arrange events, and educate our communities deserve our respect and applause! They give us the chance to connect or reconnect to our American history! Nothing replaces a live experience when a person can touch, smell, see, and hear for themselves what it's like to be on a battleship!
Following a very difficult time when the battleship New Jersey was closed due to Coronavirus, the US Navy's most decorated battleship is back in action. Guests can walk on her teak decks where heroes of WWII, (including Admiral's Halsey and Spruance) served.
The "Big J" also saw action in Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War where she earned a total of 19 battle stars and campaign ribbons during her many years of service to our country.
Guests are able to visit the inside of the massive 16" gun turrets, the engine room and dozens of other compartments that define battleship New Jersey as the most powerful weapon of war when first placed in service in 1943.
Groups are able to spend a night in the crew's berthing compartments; go through the mess line and eat meals where thousands of sailors once lived. In short, there is something onboard for everyone to see and experience.
Please visit this majestic ship on the Camden waterfront, and experience a true icon of American history.
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Battleship New Jersey is an American Icon having served in 4 wars earning a total of 19 battle stars. She now rests majestically on the Delaware River in Camden, NJ where guests can experience what it was like to serve on the most decorated battleship in US Navy. Tours include a top-to-bottom tour of one of her massive 16" gun turrets, and one of the ship's Engine Room and Fire Rooms. It is an experience unlike any other in that the battleships are now gone from all navies in the world. This is a unique not soon to be forgotten trip in time when the battleships were queen of the seas. But be advised, there is a lot of climbing so bring your most comfortable pair of walking shoes.
As a 6 year navy veteran I find it very rewarding on the battleship. It’s a big job to keep the ship looking good for visitors. I have been with the maintenance and restoration crew for 14 years now and I love working there with the regular employees and other volunteers. The tours tell a great story of the history of the ship and it’s 80+ years in and out of service.
I Have been going to the USS New Jersey since i was 6, everytime I went i didnt want to leave. The volunteers and staff are so friendly and happy to tell you so much about the ship and her history. I would 100% going to the Uss New Jersey, after all the Black Dragon is, in my opinion the best battleship museum one can go to.
Great ship, poor upkeep. We have been on all four IOWA class battleships. NEW JERSEY has the most to see, but is definitely in the worst shape. We would rather they have less open and in better shape.
Don't expect to have a tour guide, there is nearly no one on the ship.
The Quarterdeck staff are amazing, need more of these people on board. We spent an hour talking with them, good people. We met the museum supervisor, knew a lot about the ship, but nothing about Navy life, never served.
Ship in rough shape, really showing her age. Needs a lot of paint, but happy to see the deck being replaced. Many of the displays were either incomplete or did not work, some lights out and the recordings either difficult to hear or had static. Routes were a little confusing, seemed to go in circles, we skipped the lines and went our own way.
Much of the ship is open and explorable, we were able to explore from shaft alley to the aircraft radars. There aren't many signs explaining things to non Navy personnel, bring a book or go back to Quarterdeck, they will explain what you saw.
Take you tour Thursday morning then join the crew at Victor's Pub, just down the street, for several rounds of cheer between noon and 5pm. They crew is very knowledgeable and great drinking buddies!!!!!!!!!
A fine place to visit and to marvel at American greatness!
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The Battleship New Jersey is something else entirely. It's a place in which 20th century America comes to life, from World War II right through the 1980s. All interveningdecades are represented on the ship. Therefore, a visit to the Battleship New Jersey is like a walk backwards through time--to the era of our parents and grandparents. I believe that this is its greatest feature, and is certainly something that should be experienced by people of all ages.
My husband, Howard Sands, was a volunteer on the Battleship New Jersey until he was no longer able to serve because of Alzheimer's Disease. It was a labor of love for him, as someone who had always been interested in World War II history, although he had never served in the military. He loved sharing his interest in the ship and its history with visitors. He also made a wonderful friend on the ship, volunteer Bill O'Neill , who unfortunately died in November 2020. When Howard died in March 2021 we were pleased to be able to request that donations in his memory be considered for BB 62.
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My husband, Howard Sands, was a docent on the battleship New Jersey for many years. He has always been a World War II buff and after we visited BB-62 shortly after it opened he said he wanted to volunteer on the battleship when he retired. In fact, he started training to be a docent days after retiring on July 31, 2006. He led tours of school and camp groups as well as individuals for a number of years and then became a station docent in the Captain's Cabin, sharing stories of the admirals, swimming pool and other interesting facts about these quarters and the entire ship with visitors. Even after dementia robbed Howard of the ability to interact with those touring the ship we sometimes visited the ship and the Captain's Captain when Bill O'Neill was the docent on duty. Howard and Bill became good friends while volunteering on the battleship New Jersey and Bill still keeps in touch with us. Howard's experiences on BB-62 were wonderful and became an important part of his life, and over the years hundreds of people benefited from his interest in and knowledge about the ship.
The Battleship New Jersey is the hidden gem of the state. USS New Jersey was the most decorated battleship in U.S. history. As a museum, the battleship is the best tourist attraction in the state (where one can be entertained and educated at the same time) and has a relatively modest price.
In addition, USS New Jersey serves as a memorial to those who have served; an educational institution; and a place of research on U.S. history.
Amazing experience! The Battleship New Jersey is a true time machine. It took me back to my days in the navy. I would totally recommend!
Have spent several tours on the Battleship . . . the best experience of it is coming down the promenade for the first time and seeing its size and imposing presence. That first impression i a lasting one!
When I first visited the Battleship, I looked over the Delaware River to see the birthplace of our nation. The feeling of being on the most decorated ship in US Naval History, looking over to Independence Hall lets you get the true value of freedom and liberty, tempered by the history of the Battleship and the sacrifices made by those who rose to the call of their Country.
I'm a Navy WWII Veteran and I have been a Docent on the BB62 for 18 years and find it to be a very rewarding experience in relating to the public the History of this great Ship, especially to the School Children on their field trips.
I've visited the Battleship NJ on numerous occasions. Brought my dad, a WW II vet about a dozen years ago. He was so exuberant to be aboard, sharing stories of her history in the Pacific with anyone who would listen. With COPD and a cane, he insisted on climbing ladders from deck to deck. We lost him 10 years ago and with each return to the ship, I am overwhelmed by his memory, and the importance of this ship in our nation's history. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and kind. The New Jersey is a true treasure of our nation and we are so very fortunate to have access to her.
Be sure to interact with the Quarterdeck Staff, these officers are all Veterans who add to your visit through their real life experiences. The displays and route through the ship can be difficult without much information, but the gentlemen on the Quarterdeck are extremely knowledgeable and more than willing to explain the numerous items on the ship.
I served on the USS New Jersey during its Vietnam service. I am now the President of the USS New Jersey Veterans, Inc. We hold our annual reunion in the Camden, NJ area every 4 years. The staff of the Battleship are always excellent to work with when we plan our day on the ship for all the veterans who served on her. The staff and volunteers go above and beyond when we’re onboard. We hold our annual memorial service on the fantail and have lunch afterwords. The veterans are treated with deep respect and made to feel the ship is still theirs. I would highly recommend the Battleship New Jersey as a site for any military reunion group to visit during their reunion. The staff and volunteers are working diligently to bring the ship back to the condition it was when us crew members served on her during our time in the US Navy. The pride the volunteers have for her is matched only by the pride of the Sailors and Marines who served on her during WWII, Korea, Vietnam and in the 1980’s.
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The Home Port Alliance works to preserve the monumental and historically significant Battleship New Jersey and keep it open for visitors. They have been innovative in their interpretation of the storied vessel and the sailors who worked on her. From special events to sleep overs to virtual programs, the Alliance continually finds new ways to make the Battleship relevant and interesting for new audiences.
A fabulous group of volunteers and staff make this museum ship shine! Come check out what’s newly polished up on your next tour.
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It’s been quite a few years since we were there. Last time was on New Year’s Eve for fire works . We’ve done that a couple of times. We took our grandsons on the tour once , must’ve been 10 yrs ago. We enjoyed it very much. The ship has a wonderful history. Very interesting to see how sailors like my Dad lived and worked during WWII. I am an Army Vietnam vet so am proud of our armed forces and was very proud of the history of the ship Bering part of every major war from WWII to not sure of the last one I think Iraq.
We LOVE the USS New Jersey. We have been to the ship 3 times already. 1st was during the pandemic when things were safely open and it was a wonderful activity to get out of the house and learn about this amazing beaut! Second time we brought friends from out of town for a tour and three was for the USO 1940s dance night. What a fantastic and appropriate backdrop for a 40s themed event. Everyone who works and volunteers their time for this important historical artifact are so kind and care deeply for this cause. The ship is in great condition and the exhibits are full of interesting history that’s fun for the whole family, there is even a gift shop. When you visit, make sure to wear your walking shoes, this ship is BIG! It’s a gem in the Delaware and everyone should visit if they have the chance!!
I was stationed on the USS New Jersey for over 4 years of my time in the Navy. She took great care of her crew as we did her. I have been a proud donor to keep her clean and maintained since 1982, and since her decommissioning as a museum in Camden New Jersey. Please consider helping keep her as a treasured museum.
Every interaction I have had has been overwhelmingly positive! They actually respond to emails, which is how I ended up donating something for a space they were renovating. They were wildly accommodating.. to the point where where I made a snap decision to fire the 5"/38, which was amazing, btw. After completing the self guided tours, my friend and I got to spend significant time with both the Curator and the Education Director.. both of which are extremely knowledgeable and both have great personalities and senses of humor. We even got to see *that day* completed spaces and many other off tour cool things to see! I've since become a member and have donated again!
Superior tour routes and beautifully repainted interior let you see and feel what it was like to serve on the greatest battleship The Turret 2 experience is fantastic! Pull the triggers and hear the guns roar. And don't miss the engineering tour, climb deep down into the bowels of the engineering spaces from Broadway into the fireroom and then through the bulkhead into the engineroom.
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is both a wonderfully preserved example of the pinnacle of warship design, and a vivid story teller of the history of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Missile Age. It is worth a visit for Americans of all ages and is an international tourist attraction.
I have been volunteering at the BB62 for about 18 months now and I am very glad I started. Having served in the U.S. Navy 67-71, I have strong feelings about the ships that helped the U.S. Navy help so many others. While volunteering and seeing guests tour the ship and talk to us about our, and their, experiences, I am always surprised with their impressions of how the ship was used in peacetime and in war. They show an appreciation of the jobs she did then, and a sincere thankfulness of what the museum is doing now. To be able to show younger members of their family things they could otherwise never see is meaningful to them.
The battleship is a great place to spend a summer day the tour route covers from the 05 level to the 02 deck with a very knowledgeable team of Navy enthusiasts and veterans who are very kind and ready to answer any questions all of this makes the battleship New Jersey one of the best museum ships out there
First visited the battleship with my family in 2002. Was really impressed with the massive size of everything onboard. The staff was very helpful and informative. Once I retired I started to volunteer a few days every week in order to help ensure future generations have an opportunity to learn about this historic ship.
Each time I approach the Battleship New Jersey, I am awed by her size and the engineering that went into designing and building her. After all, she was built before computers were as ubiquitous as they are today. The extreme accuracy of her big guns is amazing. And, despite participating in 19 different battles, she only ever lost 2 crew members in 25 years of service.
The Battleship New Jersey offers a plethora of programs supporting our Military and Veteran communities while providing educational opportunities to school and civic groups in history, math, art, science and technology.
Love touring this ship, she is the best treasure on the Delaware River. Docents are so knowledgeable and kind answering every question asked .
The ship's maintenance is exemplary. many museum ships struggle with tis but not the NJ!
Queries are answered quickly. I did a book signing aboard the ship and the staff were all both extremely knowledgable and their enthusiasm for the ship was manifest. If all museum ships had such people entrusted with their care, naval history would be commonplace!
I am very impressed that the Battleship New Jersey has a college scholarship program that awards ten scholarships each year to area high school students
I love volunteering on The New Jersey. Everyone there is friendly and hard working. They thoroughly enjoy working/volunteering there. The all strive to make the visitors time on board a memorable one - one that when they leave they will spread the word about how much they enjoyed visiting.
Love to visit the battleship NJ!
Lots of memories with my family here.
We have enjoyed our visits over the years.
The grace and grandeur of this beautiful Grey Lady has been a part of my life since August of 2001. I had signed up to be a volunteer and my first job was to pry up the teak plugs in the main deck. Since then I have made many good friends and have learned so much about the most decorated battleship in US history. I am on the Brass Team as well as have the honor of being the official BB-62 Bugler. A true gem of our Great State of New Jersey.
I've been a volunteer on this great ship since 2001. And I drive from Brooklyn to Camden! The sleep overs for scouts & other groups, is a great learning process--because the ship is a piece of history! And they don't teach much real history to today's youth anymore. Grab your kids, or if you don't have kids, grab your nieces & nephews, and your neighbors kids, and your friends kids--and bring them to see and experience a great piece of our history! And if you can down the road when it fully opens--stay in the bunks with the kids, and have a great time! If you want, you can even come down & volunteer with me & the "Brass Team"! We run around polishing all the brass that we can, and restoring other stuff! You'll be helping out & having a great experience doing it! Hope to see you soon--Vera
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The Battleship USS New Jersey is an amazing piece of American history! THE most decorated battleship in Navy history, leaves you in awe! It is definitely something young & old should experience. Those that are more "adventurous", can actually sleep overnight in the bunks, & have breakfast in the mess the next morning--just like the sailors! Make a plan to visit and bring the kids, for a day they won't forget! And please donate whatever you can, and as often as you can, for this incredible nonprofit museum. Donations are what will keep this going for generations to come!
I love the comradely of working with volunteer docents, but most of all I enjoyed imparting the history of the Battleship to youngsters in the camp program.
The tour is amazing and their educational products are very high quality. Also, as they support a Navy sea Cadet Division they further give back to the community.
From the first time I set foot on the deck of this beautiful battleship, I felt at home. I am a 1970's Navy vet and although I never served on a ship, I could sense the importance of her role in serving our nation and fighting for our freedoms. Even for people who are not history buffs, this big ship tells tales of history that many would not believe. The many crew members who walked her decks and climbed her super structure have left their imprint. And what stories are told as you walk the tours. Not just stories of work and war, but stories of the humanity of every crew member.
BB62 is more than just metal held together with rivets. She is the most decorated battleship in US history. She is also the biggest! Touring this Philly built Navy ship/museum is an experience that can not be beat. When active in service, she was a floating city! And seeing all of the areas where crew slept, worked, ate, and socialized is impressive.
To see this ship that shot those 16" guns from turrets 1,2, and 3, as well as the rest of her fire power, helps you realize that freedom was and is precious and she did more than her share to keep us free.
Visit this wonderful ship and you will not be disappointed. Those who work to keep her presence alive have done a phenomenal job! If I could give her 10 out of 10 stars, I would give her 11!
I absolutely LOVE the Battleship New Jersey. I have been on the ship countless number of times and have taken all of the different tours which are just amazing. You can actually realize what it would have been like to be a sailor on the ship. I even love the smell of the diesel. On every visit I see something new.
On a daily basis, our docents, volunteers, and support staff on the Battleship New Jersey have the opportunity to make 78 years of history come alive. Many of our guests come aboard with no knowledge of the dedication, fortitude, and courage it takes to serve in our military, especially the Navy. We try to ensure our guests have every opportunity to see as much of our ship as possible through tours, exhibits, videos and staff interaction. Based on feedback from my guests, the museum experience exceeded their expectations. What more can you ask for....?
The number one reason is HISTORY! I was a docent for the overnight encampments and can safely state that I personally escorted hundreds of children and adults on tours. What I stressed on my tours was the history of the ship and it's crew. They walked the decks and area's of the ship learning that the New Jersey was more than it's 16 inch rifles and the quarterdeck. They learned that left was port and the restrooms were heads. Men as young as 18 worked,slept and gave their all to make the New Jersey the most decorated Battleship in the U.S. Navy. As a former United State Marine I also learned that the children I escorted were respectful , well behaved and obedient to the rules and regulations. I am proud to have served as a tour guide and mentor to the guest.
When I retired back in 2016 I was looking somewhere to do volunteer work. There was an ad in the Courier Post from BB-62 needing help aboard the Ship. This was perfect for to be able to work on the greatest Battleship in US History was very rewarding. I have learned so much about how great this vessel is and it is an honor to serve on her.. It is a living museum and Iam so thankful to share my knowledge with the many guest that come from around the world just just to see and tour this wonderful monument.
The ship is a place where the history of our glorious navy comes alive; from the Second World War, Korea, Vite-Nam and up to Desert Storm. This fantastic place visitors can see and experience how sailors worked and lived. Also, there encampments give people the opportunity of spending the night on a Battleship. Lastly, their numerous interactive displays and simulations give the experience of what the sailors really did.
The Battleship New Jersey is unlike any other 'attraction'. Every visit yields another historical event that greatly impacted the security of our country and the indescribable strength/technology (considered the time she was built)/and absolute power and intimidation of the remarkable highly decorated ship. The physical upkeep and dedication shown by the devoted staff is unlike any other. I have taken tours and attended many events. I promise any visitor will be filled with amazing awe and pride for our country and our armed forces. Come! - I promise you will love Big J. Maureen Hayes
My family loved the exhibits throughout the battleship! All the battleship employees were friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable!
I am a Vietnam Army Vet but enjoy all the events at the ship and love the way you can remember for Fathers & Mothers on the pier. My wife and I made a donation for a brick remembering our fathers who were a Marine and a Navy vet.
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This is living History you can touch and walk in the foot prints of American Heroes like Admiral Halsey. As a Vietnam Vet she was a life saver to many of us and is what brought the North Vietnamese to the peace table. The most Decorated Ship in the US Navy she served from WW II to the Iraqi Conflict. Unlike some Iowa Class Battleships she is armed for combat as in her last engagement with modern weaponry and has a full museum on board. The perfect place for Families and groups to learn of the life of a sailor and the Greatest Battleship ever built.
How can you not love history, when it sits in your own back yard. The USS New Jersey Battleship brings all ages together to understand the integral part it played in the US Military.
Being a Navy veteran and to see how my shipmates lived, worked and made history. Let's me know that I made the right decision to join the US Navy. The is still to me the best ship in the world and cannot thank the US Navy for keeping her home in Camden, NJ.
We held a corporate event on the Battleship NJ. Jack and his team were amazing. Everything was perfect. Our event was a huge success.
The Battleship New Jersey provides excellent hands on experiences with history, technology, and science at a one of a kind venue. The staff and volunteers are well trained and happy to engage with the public. As an organization they are trying consistently to engage and better their community as well.
I started as a restoration volunteer in July of 2018 and continue to do so. This spring I trained to be a tour guide and enjoy this very much. As a Navy veteran who served aboard a Destroyer Escort in the late 60's, I enjoy spending time aboard The New Jersey with my new shipmates. The camaraderie among the "crew" reminds me of my younger days.
It’s a great alternative for a family outing and provides perspective for what our naval personnel experienced.
I first visited the Battleship New Jersey in 2001. I've been back a number of times since then, most recently this past August. As a child, I grew up watching the acclaimed television series "Victory at Sea." In my undergraduate and graduate years in college, I studied WWII in depth. Yet to actually walk on the teak decks of the New Jersey and see up close, her 16 inch guns, sends a chill through me since this great fighting ship represents the great freedoms that our country has fought and died for through out the ship's many battles. All Americans, regardless of their political affiliations in these difficult times should visit this great fighting ship and share in the experience of a time when we as a people were all united in the fight for liberty and freedom throughout the world.
I have had the privilege of working with the most dedicated crew ever. Their tireless efforts to preserve and communicate our naval history is unparalleled . I have greeted people from around the world on board and everyone has expressed their appreciation for their ability to visit this piece of history and thanked us for our efforts. The most gratifying time is when former crew members visit their ship. It’s truly a moving experience.
Jack Willard set up a private tour for some of our Rossmoor Veterans Group with Patrick as our guide. He was excellent and everyone said it was one of the best tours they had ever been on ( even our Army Brothers ). Thanks to all for making it a very special day
Denny O’Malley
Former Navy Lt.
I have worked on other museum ships and visited well over 50 of them. New Jersey has more open (1.5 miles of tour route), far more restored, and far more that visitors can touch and do than any other museum ship I've visited. Be sure to set aside a full day to see everything. If you go on the weekend there are even more programs and tours, some free, some for an additional cost, but they're worth it.
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I have had the opportunity to not only take day trips to the Battleship but also spend several overnight encampments on the ship with our Cub Scout Pack. This is truly one of the most loved trips for both family and Pack! The guides are not only knowledgable but also very nice and take the time to answer all the questions from our children and adults. We are so grateful that this amazing Battleship is in our backyard!!
Twenty years ago the Home Port Alliance for the USS New Jersey, Inc. (HPA) won the donation of the USS New Jersey Battleship from the Navy and created a museum and memorial that is unparalleled in the world of historic Naval ship museums through the efforts of its volunteers, Board of Trustees, and a small dedicated staff. The core mission is to restore, preserve, exhibit and interpret the history of the USS New Jersey and her veterans, but it is so much more than that because of the generous support from its volunteers and donors. The HPA is a unique blend of history, education, entertainment and hospitality. The HPA manifests donations into real world programs that inspire and educate child and adults alike. From scholarships to local school students, to programs for families with autism, to creating new and innovative exhibits, The HPA is a vital nonprofit for the community at large. This is a true testament how powerful and positive a nonprofit can become to improve and change lives for the better.
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A unique and amazing memorial and museum. The access within the battleship is unparalleled to get a first hand understanding of how the ship operated and how the crew worked and lived. The USS New Jersey played a significant role in US history extending from WWII through the 1980's. A visit should not be missed.
Superior restoration and level of knowledge of the Docents makes this nonprofit a wonderful organization that gives back history to the young in what it has taken to preserve freedom over this ships 4 times in service of her country. Well done!
My husband always wanted to visit the battleship.new jersey but never did so I decided to surprise him with a tour of the turrets. We had an interesting tour of the ins and outs of the different turrets and got to climb around inside the battleship. I could get a feel for what it must have been like for the sailors back then . Very enjoyable afternoon and the location on the water is lovely
The Battleship New Jersey is a fantastic attraction and one that’s worth multiple visits as the Nonprofit group and volunteers do a great job in restoring more and more sections of the ship
I've had the opportunity to tour all four Iowa class Battleships as well as the North Carolina and numerous other warship museums in the U.S. and abroad.
I was truly impressed by the tour and the operation they run on the New Jersey, they offer a Turret tour that's second to none, everything is very well organized.
I'm a volunteer on the Iowa and she'll always be my favorite but the New Jersey is a close second and the only other museum ship I'm a member of because I want to support the work they do.
My family just ended our vacation to Ocean City, NJ and was going to Philadelphia for a quick bite. I saw signs about the Battleship New Jersey and we went to visit this historical battleship.
It was so majestic to see it moored in NJ, and my family was amazed at the weaponry, the guns, cruise missles, and the historic battles it was involved in.
Age has taken a toll on the teak wood deck but very easy to be reminded of what it was like in its glory representing our country!
Highly recommend this place to visit, sure to change any negative opinion of our role a a super power.
Five stars is not enough for this ship and her crew. This ship is a must see for anyone who appreciates their freedom and values our country's history. I took my autistic son here for an overnight stay aboard the ship and was overwhelmed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the entire crew. Their enthusiasm for their job and preservation of the ship was well apparent. They sure made a lasting impression us and made sure Jake had the experience of a life time. We are from Shreveport, LA and this trip was my son's early Christmas present (12/2&3/17).
The self guided tour was good and the volunteers located at various points were helpful and informative.
My wife and I went on BB-62 for my birthday. We went on the Turret II tour. It was amazing seeing how sophisticated the ship was back during WW II. Many many great places on the ship and got to simulate firing the 16 inch guns. The tour ended with the chow hall and a large sandwich of pulled pork. Highly recommend.Planning to go again when they have the engine room tour
Truly an amazing experience! My first time seeing a battleship in person. I felt I was one of the many sailors who served on this ship.
My first experience with BB62 was before she was moored in Camden, when I was part of a painting party on 9/8/01, sponsored by my employer, Lockheed Martin. After she came to Camden, my wife and I took three tours. My best experience was two below decks "Admiral's Tours" in 2004, stem to stern, bilge to bridge - came home covered with grease and oil and loved it!
It’s a great museum, all the volunteers take great pride in this ship; compared to the other Iowa class battleship museums I believe this is the best kept
This is an awesome place to visit at any time. When they put on an event they do it well... the history on this ship is amazing and the men and women are very knowledgeable. just go!
I LOVE the Battleship New Jersey! This beauty is an integral part of our nation's history and a big protector of American freedom! Please support the Battleship!
I went last year and it was the best ever nice people and I love all the history about the ship and I would love to go again but can't afford to but I hope everyone goes because anything history should be taken care of and for future kids to learn about the best battle ship and keep history alive so please go you won't be disappointed thanks Sherry
The USS New Jersey is an integral part of the Philadelphia -Camden waterfront and historical area. The nonprofit continues to offer wonderful historical tours, information and events which promote not only this key historical artifact, but the communities in which it lies.
I've been a Tour Guide on the Battleship New Jersey for 16 years. One day, a few years ago, a group of youngsters from a local facility that deals with children who have various mental disabilities, came aboard for a tour. Their "teacher" assured me they could all understand my presentation, so off we went. I gave same tour that I would give to any group that age.
On the Main Bridge there are 3 chairs, and I normally ask one of the youngsters in a group to sit in one of the chairs. A girl named Lorrie, who was probably about 12 years of age, volunteered. I went through my usual explanation that only the Captain got to sit in those chairs, and then I would normally say "so Lorrie here is in big trouble" In this case, I felt it would be better to say "So this must be Captain Lorrie". That got a nice laugh from the group. A few days later, a batch of hand written letters, one from each youngster, arrived in the mail. They were passed on to me. Everyone said they enjoyed the tour and commented about various things they had seen, but the thing that moved me the most was that a majority of them mentioned the "Captain Lorrie" scenario.
Bob Day, Tour Guide, Battleship New Jersey.
There are so few ways you can literally walk back into history. This is one of them. Few of us will ever know what WW2 was like, but a tour of this amazing ship will at least get you in the right direction.
The Battleship Nj is an amazing and important part of our history. We enjoy our time there and all the events they host.
I highly recommend taking the tour of the USS New Jersey on your next visit to south Jersey. I love the history and if you know a veteran take them with you as a "Thank You "for your service treat!
Seen this ship theday it came up river n then visited when it open when docked and i now live in Mississippi but when i come to visit Jersey the New Jersey is on my list to-do again just to see different from then to now!!
The Battleship New Jersey is a beautiful piece of American history, lovingly preserved and cared for. It's really breathtaking to visit in both its majesty and might.
The Home port Alliance has done a amazing job in keeping this piece of history alive for future generations!
My personal story about the Battleship NJ. My name is Phil Walmsley and I have been working on the Battleship NJ since March 2017 as a tour guide and a part-time Quarter Deck Officer. I have a family history with the Battleship NJ as my father was one of the approximately 5,000 men and women that built BB62 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. My father told us, when we were kids, that he welded his initials (GJW,JR) in the ship’s hull. So. When I am on the Battleship, I can feel his presence. When BB62 came back home from Bremerton WA, three generations of the Walmsley family were there to escort her up the Delaware River. My mother and daughter Kim were invited by Governor Whitman to sail with her and the other dignitaries on the ferry out of Cape May. I was on the river with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as part of the security detail. It was one of my life’s greatest honors. As a tour guide, I thoroughly enjoy taking our guest around the ship and sharing the Battleship’s honored service to the US. I also enjoy sharing with the guests, what life was like on the ship during her 4 commissioning and the stories of the brave men who walked her decks. The favorite part of my tour guid duties is the honor of taking former crew members around the ship when they come back to visit. It is an extremely heart-warming and humbling moment for me. As a matter of fact, I was so moved after my first “plank-owner” tour I went home that night a turned a pen out of an actual piece of the Battlesip’s teak deck and I sent the pen to the plank-owner who resides in Connecticut. I retired from GlaxoSithKline after 42 years of service and I have found a new home on the Battleship. I was always told to find something that you love to do and you will never work a day in your life. I have found that“something” and it is working on the Battleship NJ. It is both an honor and a privilege to be associated with the Battleship NJ and I plan on being associated with the ship for many years to come. Everyone that I have encountered, that are part of the ship’s museum crew, from Phil Rowan, to Jack Willard, to my fellow tour guides, to maintenance, security and the other volunteers, are all top notch individuals and it is a pleasure to be working with them. Well that is my story and thank you for taking the time to read it. If you are ever in town, don’t forget to visit the Battleship NJ. It is and experience that you will never forget. Warm regards, PHIL Walmsley.
I had never been on a battleship before, and the Battleship New Jersey blew my expectations out of the water (pun intended). The firepower tour was awe-inspiring---it really brought home how impressive our Navy was and will be for future generations. The tour guides are very informative and well-trained. We are very lucky to have a bit of history docked on the Camden waterfront.
The Battleship New Jersey museum and memorial keeps the memory of this ship and her sisterships but more importantly their crew's memories alive. Never again will one of these awesome ships go to sea and the museum tells the story of the USS New Jersey and her sailors through informative static displays and very knowledgeable guides and docents aboard the ship. The men and women that are the "crew" today have a plethora of information about the ship and are very eager to pass the information on to guests.
The Battleship New Jersey is a historic gem on the Delaware River. The volunteers who shepherd visitors around the ship are clearly very passionate about preserving her history, and bringing that story to life. How lucky are we to have the military's most decorated Battleship right in our community!
I have always been fascinated with the Battleship New Jersey. I consider myself a history buff, so what was not to be infatuated with? The most decorated warship in US Naval history, and the largest to boot! When I finally got to step onto the ship and take the tour, I was blown away by the sheer power the Big J exudes. The staff was phenomenal in their knowledge and apparent passion for the Battleship. What an experience.
Midshipman cruise in 1956, retired navy, bd member/docent
The gray ghost is a wonderful tribute to all of those who served on all ships. It shows the good and not so good of navy life aboard ship. It is a wonderful place for a tour with audio and knowledgeable personnel to answer your questions.
Visit the New Jersey and increase your history knowledge about the U S Navy.
The Home Port Alliance for the USS New Jersey, Inc. is the formal name for the Battleship New Jersey. I took my first tour with my son about 5 years ago when he was 7 years old . The tour was remarkable for a number of reasons. The veteran leading the tour was enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable. My son and I gained a new appreciation for life on a battleship and what those soldiers were exposed to during peacetime and wartime. I remained interested and attended subsequent affairs held at the battleship and ultimately was fortunate to find myself selected as a Commissioner for the Battleship New Jersey.
The Battleship serves as a living memorial and tribute to not only its crew but to all servicemen and servicewomen who have defended our country. The ship allows people of all generations to visit, learn, and understand the efforts & sacrifices that were made by armed forces members. This is a floating history lesson which should be preserved and treasured.
Wonderful helpful staff, very knowledgable and interesting, great experience. Thank you for preserving a very important part of our history.
I am a Battleship Wisconsin Veteran and the crew on the Battleship New Jersey is VERY knowledgeable about the Big"J". I am impressed!!
My visit to the battleship was wonderful, the staff was kind and so knowledgeable! They were able to answer all of my questions and then some, and the tour itself was so interesting. I came back to visit during their New Years Eve celebration and was amazed at the view of the fireworks that could be seen from the dock of the ship. I will definitely return, and would recommend a trip to the Battleship New Jersey to anyone in the area.
I have worked aboard the former USS New Jersey for 12+ years as a Tour Guide, Encampment Assistant and Gun Crew Member. It has a great crew both during the day and the Encampments. From the CEO and Staff, Plank owners, Tour Guides,Watch Officers etc we all work very hard to keep her clean and orderly for our guests and try to insure they have the most positive, pleasant experience when they visit this ship. We take great pride and caring in everything we do to help support this great piece of history. It has been nothing but a privilege and an honor to serve aboard with this fine crew as we look forward to the future. If you have not visited us, I strongly recommend that you do with your families and enjoy the historical greatness of this Legendary ship.
I’ve been a volunteer on the Battleship since 2001. My first volunteer day was my birthday, Monday, April 30th, a day when I told the boss I needed a mental health day and off I went to the ship. On my first day I met some really great people like Admiral Thomas Seigenthaler, Bob Walters and Jack Shaw. I spent part of that day chipping water damaged floor tiles off the deck on the mess decks and the other part removing masking paper from passageways that had just been painted. After just one visit I was hooked, and here I am now, 15 years later, with over 500 volunteer days under my belt!
My first few visits to the ship were spent painting, cleaning and helping get areas ready for the public. Then one day I heard about a group of volunteers led by a guy named Bruce Williams who were focusing on restoring the bright work on the ship. Bright work in navy jargon means brass fixtures of all sizes and shapes and when a ship is in commission the crew keeps the bright work shining as a matter of pride in their ship. For most enlisted guys who served on the ship it would have been busy work or perhaps extra duty, but for me and my fellow volunteers it was a chance to carry on the tradition and keep the brass shining for all that visit her to see. When it comes to brass the battleship is a target rich environment, there is brass everywhere, and keeping it shining is a full time job.
Today the majority of my volunteer days are Saturdays where I work with about a dozen or so dedicated fellow members of the ships Brass Team to keep the bright work shining. Like me, most of the gang has been there from the beginning, we have a great group to work with. Over the years I’ve been involved in numerous special projects and through donations I’ve helped: establish the ships memorial kiosk, which lists information about the ships former crew members; procure the token machine and commemorative tokens that are part of our highly successful fund raising Wishing Well onboard; and most recently donating funds and labor to help get the ships whistle to work after being silent since 1990. Check out a video at http://www.courierpostonline.com/videos/news/local/south-jersey/2016/10/18/92390888/. I’m just an old Army guy who has fallen in a big way for an old Navy Battleship, and I’ll continue to make the 320 mile round trip from Virginia on Saturdays to work with my fellow Brass Team members to keep her looking good as long as I am able.
If you live in the area, have some free time on Saturdays, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, I encourage you to come down and spend a day or two with us, we can use all the help we can get. If you live further away (don’t forget I make the drive from Reston, VA) and can’t join us in person, then please consider joining us in another way. You can become a member at various levels; or you can make a tax deductible cash donation to help us raise money to replace the teak decking on the ship, even buying items from the ships store helps support the ship. Information on how you can help can be found on the Battleships official website. I too have a website that I started in 2001 where I've posted photos of the various restoration projects I’ve been involved with, if you want to take a look go to www.ussnewjersey.com. We are so fortunate to have the Navy’s most decorated battleship open to the public right here in Camden, NJ, thanks in advance for any support you can provide to help us with her ongoing maintenance and restoration efforts.
The Battleship New Jersey is a wonderful historic US Navy ship for the family to tour. You can walk about the ship on a self guided tour with an audio phone system which tells you all about the ship in wonderful detail. Also available is a wonderful tour of the Turret 2 which allows you to go deep into the ship below the turret into the powder magazines, shell decks and even gun plot where the guns are controlled by analog computers. The Battleship NJ is a must visit experience.
When asked the question 'What do you do now that you are retired I proudly reply "I am a volunteer and member of the restoration crew aboard the Battleship New Jersey." Their response "Wow, our family toured the Battleship New Jersey and enjoyed every moment of our visit, and learned so much! What a great history! What a great ship." As a volunteer I want to thank all those involved in keeping the legacy of the Battleship New Jersey BB62 alive, and that includes our volunteers, our staff, our contributors, but especially all our veterans and those that served aboard the Battleship New Jersey BB62. "Job WELL DONE USN 1959-63!!!!
I have been a volunteer for 3 years working with the Ham radio club. I've seen many family groups visiting and asking questions and having a super time.
The ship provides a view of how many of our veterans lived and served in the past. There are a number of battleship museum ships, but the amount areas open to the public, and the effort by the Home Port Alliance to make them enjoyable and accessible exceeds them all!
In today's world of technical magic, the Battle Ship New Jersey museum ships gives a view of an older technology and what can be done with skillful engineering - without computers!
Alan R.
RM2 USN 1960-1969
I have been a volunteer aboard the ship for over 10 years. The crew works very hard on restoration, demonstration and customer satisfaction in keeping with the highest Standards of The USN. The ship and exhibits have come a very long way since its opening and the care that is taken of the ship is unmatched. Their Encampment Program is second to none and continues to be a great success. It has been nothing less then a privilege and an honor to serve aboard with these fine people.
Had been a volunteer on the Battleship for over 10 1/2 years & have enjoyed every minute.
I have not been able to participate for awhile due to illness, but miss it & hope to get back.
Harry Engleman
One of the most rewarding expieriences in my life is the honor of serving as a volunteer on the Battleship New Jersey. Many of the volunteers served in the United States Navy and the extent of their knowledge of the ship's systems and their ability to envision and design simulations of those systems is truly amazing. The staff from the Curator on down is dedicated to making the USS New Jersey a living museum with constant restoration projects underway from restoring the ships horn to reactivating all the status lights on broadway and constantly bringing more compartments on line for viewing by the ship's guests while always maintaining historical accuracy.
Some of the volunteers actually served on the USS New Jersey. The machine and hull tech shops are still in use for ship repair overseen by a Navy Veteran who served in those very compartments. Listening to him recount stories of his years aboard as he machines a necessary part is a step back to a period when the ship was underway in the defense of our country and a truly rewarding expierience.
I encourage everyone I meet to visit the most decorated Battleship in Navy history, I know the will not be disappointed.
Jim
BB62 Volunteer
The Battleship is amazing. My Great Uncle worked on her when she was built. It is a wonderful piece of American History and I was proud to be able to volunteer and work with such great people.
What a thrill it was to come aboard USS New Jersey! She is an enormous, yet graceful warship. You get this impression of menace, 16" batteries will do that, but she's undeniably beautiful. The tour was first rate, with a friendly and highly knowledgeable guide. The ship is well maintained and clean. It was great fun!
Wonderfully presented exhibit...you can almost feel the roll of the ship when it was in the typhoon, smell the sweat of crews who fought with no air conditioning in the South Pacific during WWII...the admission price is very fair and the staff is wonderful and quite informed as to the ship's hostory
Washington Township, Morris County, NJ Veterans Post 1776 visited the Battleship and had an absolutely great time! Our group consisted of Navy and Army Veterans, and our guide, Keith Nitka, who is a member of our Post and a former Battleship sailor from the Wisconsin, just gave us a great tour with so many pieces of incredible information. We all were in awe of the sophisticated electronics and scope of capabilities and fire power. It was truly an honor for all of us to walk on the same decks as true heroes from the past did. Absolutely great day for the Vets! Would recommend this to all so that we never forget our history.
Charlie (Chuck) Dauchert, Viet Nam Veteran
Visited many times. Always see and learn something new about the USS New Jersey or one of the other Iowa class Battleships. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you Big "J"
I came to visit the battleship with my father-in-law who is a Vietnam Veteran back when I was in the Air Force. What struck me was the knowledge and friendliness of the staff, and the amount of the ship that was available to tour. These factors combined to make our visit to the New Jersey one of our favorite museum ship visits, and we definitely recommended it to all of our family when they come to visit.
My 10-year-old son played a 9/11 Memorial and Burial at Sea event on the USS New Jersey during one of the hottest days of the summer. The employees were so accommodating and supplied us with ample free water and shade the best they could to keep us from fainting or getting dehydrated until the service was over. They even offered us a free private tour, but we were drenched in sweat so declined. We'll definitely go back to see the entire ship.
We took the Turret II tour and the self paced, walking tour. The self-paced tour was very fun and showed us most of the ship and explained how things worked. Plus, you can sit in Admiral Halsey's bridge wing chair.
Take the guided tour of the gun turret, if at all possible. You will learn details of what made the IOWA class battleships so potent & deadly. I felt like a little kid at Christmas.
A tour of this incredible piece of history is a must! To walk in where Admirals, Captains and the crew once lived is an amazing experience. I was there when a school group visited the Battleship and to see the kids faces at the size of the ship was unforgettable. The audio device offered great stories by USS New Jersey veterans, sound effects and narration that explained the ship's weapons and how the crew lived aboard her. I truly recommend this unique experience!
i recently had a tour with 56 Navy Veterans on the Battleship New Jersey and it was wonderful I have probably toured about 30 museum ships around the country and find your ship has the best trained guides of any that i have seen. Many guides seem to wing it at many ships but I understand your method requires approval of the content of what they are telling the visitors I think that is great.
Our group[ was broken up into groups of 18 or so , each with its own guide. the reports I got back from the groups was all positive about the knowledge that was presented. my guide had complete knowledge of the ship and presented it in a superb presentation manner. The condition of the ship was excellent and I would recommend a vyoung or old.
Anthony Accatatta, USS Harwood DD-861 Reunion Association
Had a great tour on The Battleship New Jersey. The docents were very helpful and the ship is an amazing piece iff history. They are the only battleship with a working gun powder bag hoist and feeder !
The USS New Jersey is an amazing experience! The history of the ship and the people who served on it is fascinating, and the volunteers are such a deep source of knowledge. There is so much to see and experience it is worth visiting more than once.
Review from Guidestar
Most people see Navy ships only in pictures. The opportunity to visit a preserved battleship is a very valuable direct connect to our historic past. You don't really understand the scale of things, the technology, the human effort that went creating and deploying and maintaining such a thing, the discipline it must have take to keep such a thing in fighting form. I think they have done a great job of maintaining the ship and make it open and accessible to the public. Especially the kids. As we lose more and more WWII veterans, the USS New Jersey will become a more and more valuable link to the past.
Review from Guidestar
The volunteers and staff of the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial are doing a fantastic job preserving, restoring, and interpreting the ship for current and future generations. In 2001 the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial opened for tours on the Camden Waterfront. More than a million visitors have toured the ship over the past 15 years. The ship is directly across the river from Philadelphia, which hosts approximately 40 million tourists each year and is home to the USS Olympia, the oldest steel warship still afloat in the world. Today the New Jersey continues her ongoing mission – to teach the public the history and workings of this great ship, and the stories of the tens of thousands of Sailors and Marines who proudly served onboard from 1943 to 1991. Sometimes visitors hear those stories directly from the source – there are many former crewmembers who serve as tour guides, docents, and volunteers. The Battleship’s self-guided audio tours also feature crewmember stories, and the Museum has recorded the stories of more than 300 veterans through its ongoing Oral History program. The Battleship is also a fantastic resource for teaching kids about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The New Jersey was a technological marvel when she was launched, and even in the 1980s and 90s she was equipped with state of the art weapons systems. The Battleship gives visitors guided and self-guided tours. One of the ways the museum seeks to educate visitors is by allowing them to “touch history.” Unlike some museum ships that put most of their spaces behind Plexiglas, the New Jersey lets visitors get up close and personal with the Ship. You can aim her .50 caliber machine guns. You can operate a hoist to take a 16” shell up to the gun house from the shell deck. You can load powder bags onto the hoists. You can even pull the trigger to fire the 16” guns (simulated, of course.) The ship has special events throughout the year, like World War II Victory Day and Vietnam War Living History Day. The Battleship offers group tours, many of which are taken by area schoolchildren. The ship can host any kind of event, like weddings, retirement parties, birthdays, book clubs, you name it. And the ship has an award winning overnight program. Groups of any size – from as small as one adult and one child, to as large as 250 adults and kids – can spend the night on the Battleship, sleeping in the bunks used by sailors, and eating dinner and breakfast in the mess hall. For one night, you can experience a taste of what life was like for Sailors and Marines on the ship.
Review from Guidestar
As a volunteer curatorial support specialist aboard Battleship New Jersey Musuem and Memorial for nearly ten years, I have grown to appreciate what a great educational and heritage resource the ship represents. The experience of the ship is a complate and accurate presentation of what Navy life is all about, even today. The sights, the sounds, the presentation all represent how the ship appeared to the sailors who served in her. During my most enjoyable efforts in helping restore the ship likness of the power it represented during her sea service, I was able to create displays and restored systems that presented her in her true fashion and helped clarify what the visitors take away from Battleship New Jersey. Though experiencing severe economic hardships the splendid staff has perservered and maintains the her in great fashion. As I said before, Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial represents a priceless example of the technology and industry of the people who built and the era she was consructed in.
Review from Guidestar
As a student of history I was thrilled to walk the decks of the USS New Jersey, imagining myself on the high seas on the far reaches of the globe. It's one thing to read about the battles, admirals, and sailors of the past, but it's another to actually reach out and touch the sides of the heavily armored main gun turrets with their 50 foot barrels overhead.
This ship is well located and easily accessible from the nearby expressways, and the shore facilities, gift shop and dock present a clean and modern appearance. I opted for the "self tour" and followed the guide signs along the deck. All seagoing ships need constant maintenance, and there were several maintenance projects in process, and was actually glad to see that work was being done so that future visits would be possible. The wooden decks must be the hardest thing to maintain, as they were very different from what I read about.
There are many areas available to tour in the interior of the ship, and I enjoyed sitting in the Admiral's chair up on the bridge, and touring the officer's quarters and other crew areas. I'd love to see some more audio visual support to recreate the on-board experience, perhaps a recording of some typical sounds and announcements over the ship's squawk boxes (PA). We finished up by having a snack in the crew's mess, nothing special but very adequate. A nice option would have been some "period" food.
This vessel is more than just thousands of tons of steel. It is a reminder to the new generations that the world has experienced huge clashes between civilizations, and this ship defended the country and the freedoms every American citizen enjoys today. If not for ships like this and courageous sailors to man them our world would be very different today, and not in a good way. I think it is important to remind the younger generations that this country's existence is not a given and has to be earned.
Review from Guidestar
As a Midshipman in 1956 I had the pleasure of sailing on the New Jersey. It was the first Navy ship that I was ever on and my memories of being aboard and traveling to Europe and seeing those big guns fire shall always be remembered.
When she was coming home to Camden, I knew that I had to get involved.
I have been a Docent volunteer for eight years, a Board member for three years and a donor to help preserve the ship and its history. I truly enjoy giving tours on the ship and sharing the ship's history with others; particularly the young school children and the many foreigners who spend a day of their vacation and, or, business trips to visit the ship. Everyone marvels at her size and her condition (maintained by volunteers),
Visiting the Battleship New Jersey is an experience that I wish for everyone.
Review from Guidestar
I am a Fourth Grade teacher who brings her class annually to the Battleship New Jersey every spring. The students love to visit the ship and learn the history behind her. Mr. Jack Willard does an excellent job with public relations and working with groups who want to schedule this trip. The volunteer docents are typically patient and very knowledgeable about their ship and their job. They are definitely underpaid for all the work that they do while providing quality education to those who come aboard.
Review from Guidestar
The "Big J", is living history. This most decorated battleship in World War Two is a lesson in Naval history from the sailor's bunks to Admiral Halsey's quarters. You can see it all on a single visit from the anchor chains on the bow to the helicopters on the stern, and the electronic "war room" from which the guns and rockets were controlled. It is truly an amazing ship in pristine condition, with veteran docents to escort you through.
I have been a volunteer on the Battleship New Jersey for approximately 2 years conducting daytime tours for visitors as well as tours for our encampment program. Last year we had close to 18,000 campers who ate, slept and went on tour on the Battleship.
I have participated in various programs honoring our past and present military such as the promotion of James H. Rodman Jr from Captain to Rear Admiral.
As is Gettysburg a memorial to our hero veterans, the Battleship New Jersey is a interactive, living memorial to our veterans and we strive to keep their memory alive by our programs and activities.
Review from Guidestar
Those of us who are former crewmembers of the Big J served on her with immense pride while she was on active duty. As a New Jersey resident, the prospect of having my former ship become a museum here in her namesake state was exciting, only topped by the actual experience of taking the tours with the amazingly well-trained and knowledgeable volunteers. Each year seems to bring new areas available for tours, allowing me and other former crew to relive memories and take pride in what we and our nation accomplished when these behomoths were built. The fact that this ship is still here widening the eyes of tourists in amazement is a tribute to the volunteers and staff of the Battleship New Jersey. I've toured the others around the country as well, and this one's the best!
Review from Guidestar
The Battleship New Jersey served in more wars (4) than any other ship of any kind in the USA. It has been successfully broadcasting the importance of this ship to the winning of peace during its 48 year history since docking in Camden on Veterans Day 1999. Volunteers have been utilizing various skills to keep the battleship in suitable condition so that hundreds of docents can conduct tours throughout the day and during the encampments at night. Young boys and girls, as well as numerous adults have learned important facts about our country that they would otherwise never learn.
Review from Guidestar
The Battleship New Jersey is a museum everyone should pay tribute to, such an important period of history comes alive within its massive steel structure. I had the privelege and honor to come aboard with my son for an overnight adventure through the encampment program. The tour was full of surprises and little known information was unveiled about what life was like for our sailors during WWII. We got to participate in the "chow line"and were fed a delicious meal before it was time for "taps" and off to our bunks. An education for all ages, don't miss this one!
Review from Guidestar
The Battleship New Jersey is the largest battleship ever built and the most decorated battleship in the history of the US Navy. Berthed in Camden, NJ, the New Jersey offers tours, group discounts, events and a nationally recognized overnight program.
They need money to replace the teak decking, but the rest of the ship is incredible. Whether you take a guided tour with a docent, or do a self-guided audio tour, you will fall in love with this ship. It is amzing how the ship is presented.
Review from Guidestar