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.
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!
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.
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.
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Battleship New Jersey is truly an American icon. As noteworthy to our Nation's history as any battlefield...foreign or domestic. USS New Jersey helped win and persevere the peace in four wars, and during her final time in commission, she contributed to the fall of Communist Russia in the late 1980's.
While her day's of patrolling the ocean's of the world are over, her imposing presence on the Delaware River, close to where she was built, gives visitors an opportunity to experience first hand what it must to have been like to serve on the most powerful class of battleships ever to go to sea.
The staff, supported by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, have transformed battleship New Jersey into a most impressive museum and memorial. We welcome everyone to come and experience first hand the might and majesty of this venerable grey lady. You won't be disappointed.
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.
I have been involved with the Battleship NJ for almost 20 years. The ship has been restored by
skilled Vets from every service group. They have one of the best overnight camp programs
in the USA. We have a core group of volunteers on board every day. It is an asset to New Jersey and our great country.
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The Battleship New Jersey is the most decorated Battleship in all of US history. It has an outstanding camp program which serves 10,000 a year. Over the years we have restored and reopened large parts of the ship. We mark events with the sound of the Salute Cannon.
More of the New Jersey is open to the public than any other Iowa class battleship.
Over the years, over 300 volunteers have helped to restore the New Jersey.
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
