Message From the Director
Message From
the Director
For more than 35 years, the Navy SEAL Museum has been dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their forerunners by educating a broad and diverse public. More than ever, history museums have a distinct role and responsibility. For the Navy SEAL Museum, this is multilayered. We are not only the stewards of Frogman history as the storytellers of the courageous and selfless men who laid the foundation for Special Operations as they exist today. Our programs, collections, and exhibitions also preserve the legacies of these warriors who safeguard our freedom and ensure our way of life for generations to come.
As we wind down a very successful 2021 and plans progress for the New Year, we are ever mindful of how we can continue to advance the Museum’s Mission of preserving, teaching, and serving in impactful new ways. I want to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to our many successes. Thank you to our members, donors, guests, community partners, volunteers, staff, and board members. This past year has been one of great advancement and growth.
In 2021, we offered several new memorable exhibits and public programs, while increasing our community outreach through our Trident House Charities Program in service to our Gold Star Families, active duty, and veterans. We dedicated our Memorial Garden, resumed much of our travel throughout the United States at fundraisers, and marked the 20th Remembrance of 9/11, a monumental tragedy for our nation that thrust SEALs into the spotlight reluctantly. Our 36th Annual Muster was hugely successful as our most well attended event of the year.
One of the most important aspects of this past year is the continuation and expansion of our educational programs. Every day we bear witness to the powerful and inextricable ways that museums bring people together. Our interactive galleries come alive with educational field trips, special discussions, military training groups, and organized tours. We offered our first Lecture Series, which allowed the community a unique opportunity to access the Museum online. We served more than 2,500 students who participated in school outings, and hosted countless veterans, looking to connect to a part of the past through our artifacts.
Every year presents a unique opportunity to serve our Special Operations families, while working to make the National Navy SEAL Museum one of the leading historic facilities on the East Coast. Our goal is to expand access to the Museum’s increasing collections at an exceptional venue, while offering innovative and engaging experiences for our guests. We are motivated by the men and women serving around the globe, including those who are not home to enjoy this holiday season with their families.
We would not be able to accomplish any of this without the commitment and generosity of our donors, members, and friends. Your donations are essential to our success and your tax-deductible contribution has a direct impact on our mission to engage and inspire guests with history exhibitions, while supporting our Trident House Charities Program in significant ways.
Thank you very much for your support throughout the year and now at year’s close. We look forward to your continued support and wish you a healthy, happy, and successful 2022.
As we all enjoy Christmas and New Year’s, please remember those men and women continuing to serve our country around the globe. The war in Afghanistan might have come to a close, but our forces are still doing missions around the clock in remote countries and places you have not heard of. Think of them and their families during Christmas, and toast to their courage and patriotism as you ring in the New Year.
With Gratitude,
Grant Mann
Executive Director
Navy SEAL Museum
