PFSM honored with Naval History and Heritage Command’s 2024 Curatorial Excellence Award
The Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, home of the World War II fleet submarine USS Bowfin, was recently honored as a recipient of Naval History and Heritage Command’s (NHHC) 2024 Curatorial Excellence Award.
The Naval History and Heritage Command’s Museum Excellence Awards recognize public, non-profit organizations that display excellence in presenting and preserving the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy with their establishments and messaging. Applicants were evaluated based on their programs, exhibits, artifact loans, and historical research. These criteria set the benchmark for all applicants.
Having previously received NHHC’s Museum Overall Excellence Award in 2021, and NHHC’s Maintenance Excellence Award in 2023, the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum is the first museum to be awarded a “clean sweep” of awards available from Naval History and Heritage Command since the establishment of this awards program in 2021.
“We are deeply honored to receive these prestigious awards from Naval History and Heritage Command,” said Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Executive Director Chuck Merkel. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s commitment to preserving and sharing the rich history of the U.S. Navy.”
“These awards recognize the exceptional work being done by institutions across the country to preserve and share our naval heritage,” said NHHC Director, retired Rear Admiral Sam Cox. “Their dedication to excellence is vital in ensuring that the stories of our Navy’s past continue to inspire and educate future generations.”
