Before I could join a dozen other people on a tour of the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., I first had to pass through its heavily guarded gate.
Established in 1799, the Washington Navy Yard serves as the ceremonial and administrative center of the Navy. It is also home to the National Museum of the United States Navy, which opened to the public in 1963 and is the only naval museum to trace the history of the Navy with artifacts dating from its founding to the present day.
Before we went any further, our guide, education specialist Mike Galloway, informed us that we were not allowed to photograph entrances, military personnel, or security measures like cameras or police cars. He also stressed that visitors cannot wander around the base unsupervised and must be accompanied at all times by a guide.
“I’m responsible for you at this point and I don’t want to pick on anyone today,” he said, apparently joking.
The museum is beginning to build a more accessible space outside its tightly controlled doors. For now, it remains a “secret” destination.
Take a look inside the Washington Navy Yard and its museum’s incredible collection of naval history.
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