Our mission is to gather, preserve, and interpret the history of the United States Naval Submarine Force, ensuring that veterans are honored while educating both naval personnel and the public about the legacy and significance of the Submarine Force in relation to America's freedom. We act as a national repository for accurate, unbiased submarine history, with the responsibility to archive and display the complete history of the Submarine Force. Our goal is to preserve the legacy and experiences of submariners, presenting these to as many people as possible. Through our public programs, we seek to deepen knowledge and appreciation of the Submarine Force. Additionally, we aim to anticipate future needs for submarine history preservation, formulating strategies and policies that ensure the acquisition of essential historical materials. We also host naval traditions and activities that promote awareness of the nation's naval heritage within the broader community.
The museum's vision is to become the nation's premier destination, showcasing exceptional collections and cutting-edge exhibits that honor the courage, commitment, and honor of submariners who defend our nation. The SFLMA works to support the museum in its mission, fostering a deeper understanding of submarine history. We strive to enhance public awareness and recognition of the critical role submarines play in military operations, both past and present. Our efforts are directed toward preserving submarine history, expanding the museum's collection, and supporting its growth through the acquisition of new materials. We welcome and manage gifts to further these goals, ensuring the continued success of our museum and library.
The museum's vision is to become the nation's premier destination, showcasing exceptional collections and cutting-edge exhibits that honor the courage, commitment, and honor of submariners who defend our nation. The SFLMA works to support the museum in its mission, fostering a deeper understanding of submarine history. We strive to enhance public awareness and recognition of the critical role submarines play in military operations, both past and present. Our efforts are directed toward preserving submarine history, expanding the museum's collection, and supporting its growth through the acquisition of new materials. We welcome and manage gifts to further these goals, ensuring the continued success of our museum and library.
Highlights and features
- Preserving the history of the US Submarine Force.
- Honoring veterans through naval heritage education.
- Serving as a national repository for submarine history.
- Showcasing tangible exhibits celebrating submariners' bravery.
- Educating the public on submarines' historical significance.
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
Our museum offers a unique experience for both individuals and groups with scavenger hunts and self-guided tours. You can explore at your own pace while engaging in fun activities. Additionally, we now feature an Augmented Reality Experience, allowing you to see the USS NAUTILUS come to life through the QR code provided. For further details, visit the information desk or contact our Education Director.
The Submarine Force Museum & Library is an excellent location for submarine reunions. Surrounded by memorabilia and history, the museum provides reserved spaces with catering options and guided tours. We also offer speaker accommodations in the auditorium. The museum is fully accessible to all attendees, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
Reviews (14)
Kalie Schultz
Dec 18, 2025
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It was free but we ended up giving a donation because this was a very cool museum to visit! Small but packed with really cool exhibits and the submarine was very cool to walk through. It is small but as someone with claustrophobia, going in with not many other people inside didn't make me anxious at all. Definitely recommend giving it a visit if you have a free afternoon.
Janice Jmgb
Dec 07, 2025
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Luke Robinson
Oct 04, 2025
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Tony Reihl
Sep 10, 2025
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Visiting the USS Nautilus is a must if you are in South Eastern CT. This museum is full with awesome exibits. The grounds it is on constantly have various military ceremonies going on all the time. The Historic Submarine Natilus is awesome. Knowing the part this submarine played in ushering in the atomic age of submarines is really meaningful to me. It is cool place to spend a couple hours. Did I mention it is free?
The pictures I shared are of a promotion ceremony. The man is being promoted to the rank of Captain. The picture of the Sailors facing each other is the most important part of the ceremony because the new Captain is swearing and oath of allegiance to support an defend the Constitution. The other picture is the part of the ceremony where the old rank is removed and replaced by the new rank. The people who get to do this honor are people who provided the support and encouragement for the Captain to make it. It was an awesome ceremony. Hope you liked it.
The pictures I shared are of a promotion ceremony. The man is being promoted to the rank of Captain. The picture of the Sailors facing each other is the most important part of the ceremony because the new Captain is swearing and oath of allegiance to support an defend the Constitution. The other picture is the part of the ceremony where the old rank is removed and replaced by the new rank. The people who get to do this honor are people who provided the support and encouragement for the Captain to make it. It was an awesome ceremony. Hope you liked it.
Charles Partridge
Aug 25, 2025
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Mike Heinzelman
Aug 20, 2025
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Justin Biehl
Jul 10, 2025
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Had a great time visiting. I had been here several years ago and it was fun to see some updates but also a lot of the same cool features. I love that it's free and that it is run by the Navy.
My brother works at Electric Boat as an engineer, and it was fun for our kids to get a glimpse of his world. The kids love going down in the sub too!
Definitely recommend visiting this one!
My brother works at Electric Boat as an engineer, and it was fun for our kids to get a glimpse of his world. The kids love going down in the sub too!
Definitely recommend visiting this one!
Jason Upham
Jul 05, 2025
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Nico Samneil Salado
Jun 07, 2025
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Michael Taube
May 13, 2025
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Laureen DeBenedetto
Mar 12, 2025
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What a place to visit. The museum, although small, had plenty to offer. Interactive displays and a small theater that played a 50-minute movie. We thought that might be too long, but it was so interesting, it flew by! The Nautilus itself was amazing. I will say that there was only one other family (of 5) on it at the same time as us (6), so we had plenty of time to look and experience everything.
What a gem!
What a gem!
Ingrid Hill
Oct 20, 2024
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This is a free museum to enter which is part of the national monuments system and managed by naval staff. It is well worth visiting for young and old alike. You can tour inside the USS Nautilis and gain a true appreciation of what it must have been like for a crew of 150 men to live and serve on these subs for months at a time. The museum is very hands on and has great exhibits. Very well done and family friendly!
Stephen Dysert
Sep 21, 2024
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The first nuclear submarine, the total game-changer, is a fascinating place to visit. Even if you’ve toured submarines before, this one is special. This submarine was the first to completely cross the sea below the north pole. Parts of the sub are off-limits for viewing because the technology is STILL classified. If you’re interested in history, tales of grand adventure, or just want to know more about this super important aspect of our military, this is totally worth a visit. Also, it’s free!
I can’t guarantee you’ll have the same experience, but when we visited they had just started offering guided tours, presented by officers in the navy who have spent extended time in submarines themselves. We spent at least an hour talking with our guide as he pointed out all kinds of details, told great stories, and helped answer questions we wouldn’t have known to ask. However, you can walk through on your own, and you could easily be in and out in 15-20 minutes if you move at a moderate pace.
The place greatly increased my respect for those who serve on submarines. Talk about a lonely, claustrophobic job.
I can’t guarantee you’ll have the same experience, but when we visited they had just started offering guided tours, presented by officers in the navy who have spent extended time in submarines themselves. We spent at least an hour talking with our guide as he pointed out all kinds of details, told great stories, and helped answer questions we wouldn’t have known to ask. However, you can walk through on your own, and you could easily be in and out in 15-20 minutes if you move at a moderate pace.
The place greatly increased my respect for those who serve on submarines. Talk about a lonely, claustrophobic job.
Zachary Jensen
Jul 15, 2024
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The USS Nautilus Museum is free and open to the public. They provide self-guided audio tours and let you walk around inside the USS Nautilus. It's the first nuclear powered submarine and was the first to sub to make the a trip to the North Pole. Highly recommend taking the time to visit and check it out.