Battleship Massachusetts was stricken from the Naval Register of Ships on June 1, 1962. Over the next three years, her fully stocked storerooms and well-equipped workspaces and offices provided millions of dollars’ worth of equipment and spare parts to the Active Fleet.

By the time she left Norfolk, Virginia, for Fall River on June 8, 1965, many of the battleship’s compartments had been stripped of desks, file cabinets, lockers, telephones, and other fixtures that give a ship that “lived-in” look. It seemed the spaces would be empty forever.

Thirty-six years later, the restoration of Big Mamie’s spaces are still underway. Through the combined efforts of staff, volunteers, donors, and the cooperation of the Navy’s Inactive Ship and Curator’s Branches and the Maritime Administration’s James River Reserve Fleet, tons of equipment and parts have been procured and installed or await installation throughout the ship.

If you’d like to help us with the restoration efforts on any of our historic vessels, please contact the curator at 508-678-1100, or explore these links to learn more about charitable giving and volunteering at Battleship Cove.

One of the most popular interactive exhibits on USS Massachusetts, these 40MM guns can be fully trained and elevated.

PRESERVATION FOR EDUCATION: Battleship Cove is pleased to announce the $120,000 restoration of four 40MM anti-aircraft guns on board Battleship Massachusetts. For the complete story on this restoration project, which was generously funded by Sippican Inc, Bank of Fall River, and the Massachusetts Historical Commission, click here.