National Civil War Naval Museum

National Civil War Naval Museum The National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus: Preserving and promoting the story of sailors and marines in the Civil War.
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The National Civil War Naval Museum tells the story of the Sailors, Soldiers, and Civilians, both Free and Enslaved as affected by the Navies of the American Civil War and provides a repository for relevant archives and artifacts on the subject, for all generations of the public. The Museum uses all available media systems/distribution platforms and live interpretation in furtherance of this missi

on. Located in Columbus, Georgia, the National Civil War Naval Museum overlooks the Chattahoochee River. We house the largest surviving Confederate warship, the CSS Jackson, as well as the the wreckage of the CSS Chattahoochee. Other exhibits include a full scale ship replica of the USS Water Witch, a replica of the USS Hartford with its berth deck, ward room and captain’s cabin, an actual cutter or "ship's boat" from the USS Hartford, a full scale replica of the USS Monitor’s famous turret, and an emmersive panoramic dockside exhibit recreating Plymouth, North Carolina, complete with an exterior and interior view of the CSS Albermarle. Among our many artifacts, we have the largest collection of Civil War Naval-related flags on display in the country. The collection includes various flags from ships and coastal forts, signal flags and Admirals’ pennants. Our timeline exhibit takes you month by month through the war showing naval events and features many of the museum’s most rare artifacts, such as the uniform coat of Captain Catesby Jones and Admiral Farragut’s two-star hat insignia. Exquisitely detailed Models of many famous Civil War ships are on the timeline including the CSS David, CSS Albemarle and the CSS Atlanta, which is located just opposite the huge 25-foot wide flag that was flying over the ship the day it was captured. We host a range of events throughout the year with an emphasis on museum theatre and historic character interpretation. Additionally, there are living history events, tours, cannon firings, weapons demonstrations, local history projects and more.

Our Ladies Tea was everything we hoped it would be—warm, wonderful, and filled with great company, delightful refreshmen...
05/31/2026

Our Ladies Tea was everything we hoped it would be—warm, wonderful, and filled with great company, delightful refreshments, and meaningful conversation.
The museum was filled with laughter, delicious treats, warm cups of tea, and a wonderful spirit of fellowship! Guests gathered for one of the most unique afternoons of the season.

Nestled among history and artifacts, this hidden gem of an event offered the perfect blend of education, elegance, and relaxation. Whether reconnecting with old friends or making new ones, our guests enjoyed an experience that was equal parts enriching and delightful.

A special thank you to The Middleton Tea House for helping create such a charming atmosphere and setting the stage for a truly memorable afternoon. Their teas, hospitality, and attention to detail made the day even more special.

If you missed this one, don't worry—there's always something happening at the museum. Join us next on June 4 at 6:00 PM for our Summer Lecture Series: Quilts and Their Stories: The People, Places, and Stories They Tell featuring Beth Hunter. Discover why the museum continues to be one of the area's best-kept secrets for learning, community, and unforgettable experiences.

We can't wait to see you soon!

📷 : Jeff Josefsberg

The Museum was the place to be this Memorial Day weekend as we paid tribute to those who paid the ultimate price.Scott S...
05/26/2026

The Museum was the place to be this Memorial Day weekend as we paid tribute to those who paid the ultimate price.

Scott Singer provided a heartfelt concert featuring songs inspired by true stories. A packed house also enjoyed a Volkswagen car show, blood drive, and cannon firing on the museum grounds.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a meaningful weekend of remembrance, community, and history.

And the fun continues this weekend with our Ladies Tea at the Museum. Tickets are officially on sale, so gather your favorite ladies and join us for an elegant afternoon of fellowship, charm, and unforgettable memories. Secure your tickets today before they’re gone!
Tickets: https://www.portcolumbus.org/event-details/ladies-tea

05/25/2026

The National Civil War Naval Museum will be OPEN on Memorial Day with a SALE 15% discount in our gift shop. Have you been to the museum lately?

Today’s the day to make your way to the museum grounds for a full day of fun, community, and history. Enjoy a classic ca...
05/23/2026

Today’s the day to make your way to the museum grounds for a full day of fun, community, and history. Enjoy a classic car show, blood drive, live cannon firing, food trucks, and a concert all in one place. Plus, take advantage of discounted museum admission all day long for only $8 + tax. Bring the family, bring a friend, and come make some memories with us at National Civil War Naval Museum.

On this day in 1862, freedom, courage, and naval history collided in Charleston Harbor.Robert Smalls, an enslaved Black ...
05/13/2026

On this day in 1862, freedom, courage, and naval history collided in Charleston Harbor.

Robert Smalls, an enslaved Black sailor, pilot, and strategist, carried out one of the boldest acts of the Civil War by commandeering the Confederate steamer Planter and sailing it past heavily armed Confederate checkpoints to Union forces. Disguised in the captain’s hat and using his deep knowledge of naval signals and waterways, Smalls transported not only himself to freedom, but also his family, fellow enslaved crew members, artillery, and valuable Confederate intelligence.

His bravery changed the course of history. Robert Smalls would later become the first Black captain of a U.S. military vessel and a powerful voice for civil rights and political representation during Reconstruction.

Some stories are so extraordinary they sound like legend. Robert Smalls lived one.

Make plans to visit the museum soon to learn more about this story and countless others that shaped our nation’s history on land and water.

Think quilts are just fabric and thread? Think again.Join us at the National Civil War Naval Museum as historian and tex...
05/08/2026

Think quilts are just fabric and thread? Think again.
Join us at the National Civil War Naval Museum as historian and textile artist Beth Hunter unravels the hidden stories stitched into every square—stories of people, place, and a past you didn’t know was waiting to be read.
Our Summer Lecture Series continues in June with Quilts and Their Stories: The People, Places, and Stories They Tell
📅 Thursday, June 4 at 6:00 PM
🎟️ Free and open to the public
Come curious. Leave with a whole new appreciation for what’s been stitched into history.

Set sail for the sweetest Mother’s Day gift of the season ⚓☕Trade the usual for something unforgettable—an elegant after...
05/05/2026

Set sail for the sweetest Mother’s Day gift of the season ⚓☕
Trade the usual for something unforgettable—an elegant afternoon tea experience at the National Civil War Naval Museum for our Ladies Tea , hosted with The Middleton Tea House .
Good tea, great company, and stories worth sharing—sounds like Mom’s kind of vibe.
🎟 $45 + tax | May 30 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Secure her seat before they’re gone!
For tickets: https://www.portcolumbus.org/event-details/ladies-tea

Address

1002 Victory Drive
Columbus, GA
31901

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10am - 4:30pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4:30pm
Sunday 12:30pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17063279798

Website

http://twitter.com/Port_Columbus

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