Put on your walking shoes and join in on this fascinating walkabout of one of Washington DC’s oldest military facilities.  Established in 1799, the Washington Navy Yard was an important shipping and logistical location along the Anacostia River.  During the Civil War, it also became an important administrative hub of activity for major political leaders including President Lincoln, who was a frequent visitor.  And during World War II, the Yard was a major employer to local residents and a growing immigrant population. On the tour, you’ll see some of the major historic buildings and homes associated with the Navy Yard and what purpose these buildings served. See the current museum building (Bldg. 76--originally built in 1899 as an industrial gun factory making parts for naval ship guns. The tour will give you a sense of history, time, and place. You’ll learn that the Washington Navy Yard has an interesting but little known story to tell, and most importantly, a legacy contributing to the historical fabric of the nation’s capital.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.  Head coverings, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended during the summer months.  You should also consider bringing a bottled water.

The tour will be lead by museum tour guide extraordinaire, Mike Galloway and lasts approximately 90 minutes.

The Washington Navy Yard Tour is only offered on the second and last Saturday of each month, April through October.

Register through Eventbrite or email Mike Galloway at michael.m.galloway.civ@us.navy.mil

Mask Guidelines: A mask is not required for visitors while inside the museum (Bldgs. 70 and 76) or while attending any programs. A mask is not required anywhere outside on the Washington Navy Yard grounds.

Parking Options: Harris Teeters underground parking garage (401 M Street SE). Parking is complimentary for 90 minutes and you'll need to validate your ticket inside the store before leaving the store and walking to the Navy Yard 11th and O Street entrance.  There's also limited metered street parking adjacent to the Navy Yard on M Street.

Getting onto the Washington Navy Yard: The Washington Navy Yard is an active-duty military base.  Due to security requirements, you will need to be escorted onto the base then to the museum building.  CAC card holders, active duty or retired military ID card holders and dependents do not need to be escorted and can just show their ID card to the security guard and proceed to the museum.  Regardless how you get to the Navy Yard (driving, walking, taxi, etc), you should plan to arrive at the Navy Yard 11th and O Street SE by 10amNote: Personal bicycles (including DC RideShare Bikes), scooters, skateboards, unicycles, skates, or any other non-licensed motorized or non-motorized modes of transportation will not be allowed onto the base.  These modes of transportation will need to be left outside the entrance to the base (at owner's own risk).

If walking:  Enter the base through the public access gate by 10am and wait in the area adjacent to the Visitor Pass and ID Office.  Have your driver’s license or other form of government issued I.D. with you.  A museum educator will escort you onto the base and to the museum.  A second and final visitor pick-up will be made at 10:20am.

If driving:  Drive up to the security gate and tell the security officer on duty that you are visiting the museum.  If you don't have a CAC card, active-duty military or retired military or dependent ID card, they will instruct you to wait in the parking area adjacent to the Visitor Pass and ID Office.   A museum educator will escort you onto the base and to the museum.  A second and final visitor pick-up will be made at 10:20am.

If taking Metro:  Exit the Navy Yard/Ballpark stop.  Exit the metro then walk to the base entrance at 11th and O Street SE (about a 10-minute walk).   Be at the entrance by 10:00am.  Enter the base through the public access gate and wait in the area adjacent to the Visitor Pass and ID Office.  Have your driver’s license or other form of government issued I.D. with you.  A museum educator will escort you onto the base and to the museum.  A second and final visitor pick-up will be made at 10:20am.

If you need to contact the museum on the day of the program, call our front desk at 202.685.0589 to speak to a live person.


Washington Navy Yard, aerial, circa early 1990s. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph Collection, NH 97843-KN.

Washington Navy Yard, aerial, circa early 1990s.  Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph Collection, NH 97843-KN.