This profile aggregates publicly documented information and makes no unsubstantiated claims about motive or character.
N
Naval Historical Center
government agencystandard
The Naval Historical Center (later Naval History and Heritage Command) was established in 1971 to preserve and disseminate U.S. naval history, operating as an Echelon II command under the Chief of Naval Operations.
Overview
The Naval Historical Center (NHC) was established in 1971 through the consolidation of the Naval Historical Display Center (established 1961) and the Naval History Division. Its origins can be traced back to the Historical Section within Naval Records and Library in 1927. Dudley W. Knox played a crucial role as an early advocate, serving as Curator for the Navy and promoting the creation of a naval museum.
The NHC, redesignated as the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) in 2008, operates as an Echelon II command under the Chief of Naval Operations. It is responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. naval history and heritage across 42 facilities in 13 locations. These facilities include the Navy Department Library, ten museums, one heritage center, the USS Constitution repair facility, and the historic ship ex-USS Nautilus. The institution also gained prominence for hosting the ONR's official statements denying the claims made in the Philadelphia Experiment legend.
Key Programs & Events
founding1996
Establishment of Underwater Archaeology Branch
The Underwater Archaeology Branch was created to manage over 2,500 Navy shipwrecks and 14,000 aircraft wrecks.
founding1971
Establishment of Naval Historical Center
The Naval Historical Center was established through the consolidation of the Naval Historical Display Center and the Naval History Division.
founding1961
Establishment of U.S. Naval Historical Display Center
Admiral Arleigh Burke, Chief of Naval Operations, founded the U.S. Naval Historical Display Center (now the United States Navy Museum) at the Washington Navy Yard.
Departments & Divisions
Underwater Archaeology Branch
Manages over 2,500 Navy shipwrecks and 14,000 aircraft wrecks globally.