AHOY! Welcome Aboard

Located on Galveston Island, the Galveston Naval Museum is home to the USS Cavalla, a decommissioned submarine, one of the most accomplished World War II vessels open to the public today, and the destroyer escort, USS Stewart, once the presidential escort to FDR, and the last of its class in the world. Both vessels are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Touring both vessels, you’ll learn what sailors and submariners ate, how they slept and worked together as a fighting force over the Atlantic and under the Pacific. Visitors to the museum at Seawolf Park can round out a tour of the sub and the destroyer escort with fishing in the bay or playing in the park. We are more than a WWII museum. We are an educational center and unique venue for sleepovers, private events and special occasions. 

Our Mission: To PRESERVE the historic integrity and authenticity of our ships. To REMEMBER our greatest generation who sacrificed so much for our enduring freedom and the courage of our military heroes and their families.. And to EDUCATE all generations about American history, U.S. Naval heritage and innovation.

Galveston Naval Museum Educators and Group Leaders

Experience the history, mystery and sacrifices of the crews standing watch on these WWII fighting vessels. Touring both the USS Cavalla and USS Stewart, you’ll learn what sailors and submariners ate, where they slept and how they worked together as a fighting force during World War II.

Galveston Naval Museum Youth Groups & Schools

Our staff will work alongside teachers and educators to craft an experience for your students and youth that will be educational and fun!  Topics include history, science, maritime engineering, naval heritage and innovation, and underwater archaeology.

Adult & Senior Groups

Request to tour with one of our veteran volunteer docents to get a firsthand account of what life was like on a U.S. Navy ship.   

Let the Adventure Begin at Galveston Naval Museum

Sleep in the same quarters where sailors bunked 75 years ago aboard the USS Stewart.  Come take an exclusive private tour and learn the science of ships, the importance of preservation and the heritage of our nation’s military.  Complete your assigned mission and become an honorary ensign.

Our Galveston Naval Museum Education Coordinator will contact you to discuss the educational activities available, to confirm your booking, and to collect your deposit.

You are about to embark on an adventure aboard authentic U.S. Navy vessels that served our nation during World War II and beyond. Immerse yourself in our nation’s heritage. Explore historic WWII vessels and experience what it was like as a predator patrolling underwater in the Pacific or as a protector of Allied forces in the North Atlantic. Learn how the USS Cavalla (SS-244), a Gato Class Submarine, sank the Japanese aircraft carrier, Shokaku, involved in the Pearl Harbor attack.  Come aboard the USS Stewart (DE-238), the only remaining Edsall-Class Destroyer Escort in the United States.

The Galveston Naval Museum provides a historical, educational, and patriotic experience. The sleepover program allows visitors a unique experience aboard a vintage WWII submarine or destroyer escort.

The Mission of the Cavalla Historical Foundation is to provide charitable, civic, educational, social, and aesthetic activities for the general public by establishing at Seawolf Park, Galveston Naval Museum for the restoration repair, and maintenance of the USS Cavalla, the USS Stewart, and any naval artifacts acquired in the future.

A Historic Setting for Your Historic Occasion at Galveston Naval Museum

Private Events

• Our Museum is home to two historic naval vessels on the National Register of Historic Places. We work with your event coordinator so your special event or occasion will be memorable and unique.
• We are able to accommodate Military Reunion Banquets, Retirement Ceremonies, Officer Promotion or Special Commemoration Ceremonies.
  Celebrate your Wedding, Birthday, Anniversary or Family Reunion with us aboard the ships.  Host your Colleagues, Clients, Employees or Partners in a dignified setting and celebrate aboard historic ships.
• Facility spaces can include:
  the Decks of the USS Stewart or USS Cavalla, the Memorial Compass Rose,
  the Museum Plaza or even inside the stern of the USS Stewart.
• We offer kitchen space for catering, tables and seating for 50 guests, ship-wide music system, large TV/DVD set-up, podium/mic, and private tours of our ships.  We also have a large courtyard for inflatables or dancing!
• Use of Full Kitchen (including refrigerators), Service Tables for Food/Drinks, Limited Chairs, Small Pop-Up Canopies, Podium/PA System (microphone & sound).

Galveston Naval Museum is Open Every Day
9AM – 5PM 
Last Entry 4PM