USS Silversides Submarine Museum | Muskegon

The USS Silversides Submarine Museum, located in Muskegon, Michigan, is a distinguished maritime museum centered around the historic USS Silversides (SS-236), a Gato-class submarine that played a significant role in the United States Navy during World War II. This museum not only preserves a vital piece of naval history but also offers visitors an immersive and educational experience through hands-on exhibits, guided tours, and special programs.

Historical Background of USS Silversides

The USS Silversides was commissioned shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Over the course of the war, the submarine completed 14 war patrols in the Pacific Ocean, where it earned an impressive combat record. It sank 23 enemy ships, totaling over 90,000 tons, disrupting Japanese supply lines and naval operations. Due to its outstanding service, the Silversides received 12 battle stars and the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, making it one of the most decorated submarines of World War II.

After the war ended, the Silversides was decommissioned in 1946 but continued to serve as a training vessel until it was permanently retired. In 1987, it was brought to Muskegon and transformed into a museum ship. The vessel is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Historic Landmark, preserving its legacy for future generations.

Museum Facilities and Exhibits

The museum complex consists of several key components that together provide a comprehensive look at submarine service and naval history:

USS Silversides Submarine: The centerpiece of the museum, the submarine itself, is open to the public for self-guided tours. Visitors can explore various parts of the submarine, including the torpedo rooms where weapons were loaded, the cramped engine compartments, the crew’s quarters, the control room, and the conning tower. Walking through the narrow corridors and confined spaces gives a vivid sense of the challenges faced by submariners during wartime. Interpretive signage and audio guides offer detailed explanations about the submarine’s operation, life aboard, and wartime missions.

USCGC McLane (WSC-146): Adjacent to the submarine is the Coast Guard Cutter McLane, a vessel built during the Prohibition era that later served in World War II. The McLane is also accessible to visitors, allowing them to learn about the Coast Guard’s maritime enforcement and wartime roles.

Museum Building: The two-story museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, personal stories, and naval memorabilia. Exhibits here delve into broader themes such as submarine warfare tactics, the daily lives of sailors, technological advancements, and the strategic importance of naval operations during WWII. The museum also highlights regional contributions to the war effort and showcases special exhibits, which may cover topics like African American service members, the home front, or the stories of specific naval battles.

Educational Programs and Special Experiences

The USS Silversides Museum offers a range of educational and interactive programs designed to engage visitors of all ages:

Overnight Encampments: This unique program allows groups such as scouts, schools, or community organizations to spend a night aboard the submarine. Participants sleep in the original crew berths and experience the atmosphere of a WWII submarine firsthand. This immersive activity emphasizes teamwork, history, and leadership in a memorable setting.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours: For visitors seeking a deeper understanding, the museum offers exclusive guided tours that access areas normally off-limits to the public. These tours may include visits to the engine room, conning tower, and ballast tanks, providing an in-depth look at the submarine’s engineering and operational complexities.

School and Group Visits: The museum offers tailored programs and resources to support educational groups, including lesson plans and guided tours focusing on naval history, science, and technology.

Temporary and Rotating Exhibits: The museum regularly updates its exhibits to cover new themes or commemorate historical anniversaries. This ensures that repeat visitors have fresh experiences and that important stories continue to be told.

Visitor Information

Hours of Operation: The museum operates seasonally with different hours throughout the year. It is generally open daily during the summer months and has more limited schedules during winter and shoulder seasons to accommodate visitor demand and maintenance.

Admission Fees: The museum offers several ticketing options. General admission allows access to the museum building and the Coast Guard cutter, while an additional fee grants access to the USS Silversides submarine itself. Discounted rates are available for seniors, veterans, children, and active military personnel.

Accessibility: While the submarine’s narrow passages limit accessibility for some visitors with mobility challenges, the museum building and Coast Guard cutter are more accessible. The staff is available to assist visitors and provide alternative experiences when necessary.

Location and Contact Details

The USS Silversides Submarine Museum is located at 1346 Bluff Street in Muskegon, Michigan. It is easily accessible within the city and provides ample parking for visitors. The museum can be reached by phone for inquiries, group bookings, or educational program arrangements.

Address: 1346 Bluff Street, Muskegon, MI 49441

Phone: (231) 755-1230

Overall Significance

The USS Silversides Submarine Museum serves as a powerful memorial to the men who served aboard the submarine and in the broader naval forces during World War II. It stands as a living history site where visitors can engage directly with a remarkable artifact of American military history. Through its combination of authentic historic vessels, comprehensive exhibits, and immersive educational programs, the museum preserves the legacy of submarine warfare and honors the courage and sacrifices of those who served beneath the waves.