Preserving the Legacy: An Overview of the Naval History and Heritage Command

The story of the United States Navy is written in the logs of ships, the artifacts of sunken vessels, and the memories of those who served. Safeguarding this vast narrative is the mission of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC). As an Echelon II command, the NHHC is responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of the Navy's rich historical legacy.

Headquartered at the historic Washington Navy Yard, the NHHC is much more than a single office. It is a sprawling network of 42 facilities across 13 geographic locations, including the Navy Department Library, 10 specialized museums, a heritage center, and unique detachments dedicated to historic vessels like the USS Nautilus and the USS Constitution.

A Lineage Dating Back to 1800

The roots of the NHHC reach back to the very beginnings of the American naval establishment. In 1800, President John Adams requested that the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, prepare a catalog of professional books for the Secretary's office. This collection was so vital that when the British invaded Washington in 1814, the books were rushed to safety to prevent their loss.

Over the centuries, the command has evolved through several iterations:

• The Early Library: Originally housed in various locations, including the State, War, and Navy Building.
• The Era of Expansion: In 1882, Director James R. Soley began a systematic effort to collect rare books, naval prints, photographs, and Civil War records.
• Documentary Milestones: Following congressional authorization, the command began publishing monumental series, such as the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion.
• Modern Realignment: In 2008, the command was streamlined into its current structure, officially becoming the Naval History and Heritage Command on December 1.

The Influence of Captain Dudley W. Knox

One cannot discuss the history of the NHHC without mentioning Captain Dudley W. Knox. Serving as the head of the Office of Naval Records and Library for twenty-five years starting in 1921, Knox was the driving force behind the Navy's historical program. His vision helped establish the Navy's international reputation for archival excellence and laid the groundwork for the modern museum system.

Extensive Collections and Specialized Archives

The NHHC manages a massive repository of information and physical objects that document the Navy's evolution. These collections are essential for historians, researchers, and the public alike.

Core Collections at Washington Navy Yard

The headquarters houses several distinct types of collections:

• Archives: Millions of official operational records, including ship deck logs dating back thirty years, personal papers, and oral histories.
• Historical Artifacts: Over 200,000 items, ranging from anchors and bells to uniforms and weapons.
• Archaeological Artifacts: More than 9,000 items recovered from sunken military craft, such as ceramic vessels and ship's rigging.
• Visual Records: A collection of over 500,000 historic still photos and an art collection featuring 18,000 paintings, prints, and sculptures.
• Library: The Navy Department Library contains over 150,000 books and 80,000 manuscripts.

The U.S. Navy Museum Network

To bring history to the public, the NHHC oversees ten official Navy museums located across the United States:

1. National Museum of the United States Navy (Washington, DC)
2. National Museum of the American Sailor (Great Lakes, IL)
3. Hampton Roads Naval Museum (Norfolk, VA)
4. National Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola, FL)
5. Naval Undersea Museum (Keyport, WA)
6. Puget Sound Navy Museum (Bremerton, WA)
7. Naval War College Museum (Newport, RI)
8. U.S. Navy Seabee Museum (Port Hueneme, CA)
9. Submarine Force Library and Museum (Groton, CT)
10. U.S. Naval Academy Museum (Annapolis, MD)

Key Facts

• Current Commander: Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox.
• Headquarters: Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C.
• Total Facilities: 42 facilities in 13 geographic locations.
• Artifact Count: Over 200,000 historical artifacts and 9,000 archaeological items.
• Primary Mission: Preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. naval history.

Summary of Command Components

NHHC Organizational Overview

Component	Primary Function	Key Details
Histories and Archives	Record preservation	Includes millions of operational records and deck logs.
Museums and Collections	Public education	Manages 10 museums and 200,000+ artifacts.
Integration and Outreach	Public engagement	Spans social media and educational initiatives.
Operations	Field documentation	Includes Navy Reserve units for active documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mission of the Naval History and Heritage Command?

The NHHC is responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. naval history and heritage through its archives, museums, and various historical publications.

How does the NHHC maintain the USS Constitution?

Through a specialized detachment in Boston, the NHHC plans and performs all maintenance, repair, and restoration of the USS Constitution, ensuring the ship remains as close to its 1812 configuration as possible.

What role do Navy Reserve units play in history?

Units like the Naval Reserve Combat Documentation Detachment 206 deploy worldwide to conduct oral history interviews, collect significant artifacts, and document active naval operations through photography and art.

Where can I find official Navy historical documents?

Official documents, including millions of operational records and manuscripts, are primarily housed within the archives at the Washington Navy Yard and the Navy Department Library.

Who is the current Director of Naval History?

The current commander is Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox, who has held the position since December 29, 2014.