The U.S. Naval Institute is maintaining and preserving the former Naval Historical Foundation website so readers and former NHF members can still access past issues of Pull Together and other content. NHF has decommissioned and is no longer accepting new members or donations. NHF members are being converted to members of the Naval Institute. If you have questions, please contact the Naval Institute via email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-233-8764.Not a member of the Naval Institute? Here’s how to join!
Niagara model 1

Amateur Builder Completes Detailed Model of U.S. Brig Niagara

We’re always interested to hear about the ship model projects our members and friends are busy working on. We recently heard from NHF member Robert Allen, who has completed a detailed model of U.S. Brig Niagara, from the War of 1812. As we come up on the 200th anniversary of the great American victory in

Navy Museum Store logo

Navy Museum Store – August Blowout Sale!

For the entire month of August enjoy a 10% discount on all items, including marked down items. Check with the Navy Museum Store (202) 889-2212 (located in the Navy Museum, Building 76) or the Naval Historical Foundation (202) 678-4333 (located in Building 57) for further details. And be sure to check out the selection of

USS Arizona Model

Donor Gets First Look at Battleship USS Arizona (BB 39) Model

The battleship USS Arizona (BB 39) resting at the bottom of Pearl Harbor, is a powerful symbol of the devastation wrought on 7 December 1941 as Japanese aircraft swooped down on the unsuspecting American Pacific Fleet. Surprisingly, until the year 2000, the U.S Navy did not have a scale model of the battleship in the

BOOK REVIEW – The Sailing Frigate: A History in Ship Models

By Robert Gardiner, Seaforth Publishing (distributed by Naval Institute Press in the United States), (2013). Reviewed by Mark Lardas Robert Gardiner’s latest book, The Sailing Frigate: A History in Ship Models, illustrates why he is so highly-regarded. He has previously written three other books about that cover frigate development from the 1740s through the end

LEGO USS Fletcher 1

NHF Historian Wins LEGO Shipbuilding Contest with 5 Foot Long Fletcher Class Destroyer

This past Saturday, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNM) held their second annual “Brick by Brick: LEGO Shipbuilding” contest. The event brought together those who love naval history, and those who love the iconic children’s construction blocks. The day-long event encouraged builders of all ages to bring in LEGO ships they had created at home,

USS Worcester Model

Cruiser USS Worcester Model Installed in Cold War Gallery

  Last week, an enormous model of a unique cruiser from the Navy’s post-World War II fleet was moved from the main Navy Museum at the Washington Navy Yard, across the parking lot to the Cold War Gallery. The builder’s model of USS Worcester (CL 144) now sits in a prominent position in the center

P2V-5 Neptune

RADM P.D. Smith Visits Cold War Gallery

On 8 January 2013, RADM P.D. Smith, USN (Ret) visited the Cold War Gallery at the Washington Navy Yard. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the layout of a future Maritime Patrol Aircraft exhibit for the Gallery. RADM Smith generously donated money for the construction of a Lockheed P2V-5 Neptune model, on display

Cold War Gallery Central Hall

Cold War Gallery Opening to the Public

In October 2012, the Cold War Gallery at the Washington Navy Yard, part of the National Museum of the United States Navy, will open to the public. The Gallery has been in development since 2003 and features a number of impressive exhibits, as well as a large collection of ship and aircraft models. The facility

Three New Aircraft Models Installed in Cold War Gallery

The Cold War Gallery houses an impressive collection of aircraft models, all built by retired naval aviator Michael “Pyscho” McLeod. On Wednesday, 2 May 2012, three new models joined the collection. Psycho lives in Florida, and builds the aircraft in his workshop at his home. He is currently a pilot for Delta Airlines, and was

19th Century Technology Center Becomes 21st Century Museum

By Caitlin Schettino, NHF Historical Services The Cold War Gallery of the U.S. Navy Museum is located in Building 70 on the Washington Navy Yard in southeast DC, overlooking the Anacostia River. In the early twentieth century the building housed the first naval towing tank facility. The Experimental Model Basin (EMB), the first in the

Interview with Cold War Gallery Aircraft Model Builder

We recently asked the aircraft model builder for the Cold War Gallery, Lieutenant Commander Michael “PYSCHO” McLeod, USN (Ret.), to share with us the process he uses to build the incredible models on display in the Gallery. Below are his responses to our questions. To see a gallery of the models he has built, visit

Neil Armstrong Visits Cold War Gallery

The Cold War Gallery at the Washington Navy Yard played host to a surprise visitor on Friday – Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon. He stopped by for a private visit, arranged by his friend Captain Ted Bronson, USN (Ret). Armstrong has a personal connection to the Gallery. A model

Under Construction: A New and Improved Navy Museum Store

We’re pleased to announce that the Naval Historical Foundation is resuming day-to-day operation of the Museum Store at the National Museum of the United States Navy. Store Manager Frank Arre has been working closely with the Museum staff over the past two weeks to remodel, clean, and re-open the existing store, located at the entrance