Hidden Gems Of Connecticut

GROTON, CT — The latest Hidden Gem is a tribute not only to Connecticut's service to the nation but to a silent surface that might sometimes go unnoticed on a worldwide scale.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney last week was in Groton with members of the military and veterans community to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the battle of Midway, and take part in the grand reopening of the Submarine Force Museum and the USS Nautilus after a 14-month closure amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On hand were Master Chief Kellen Volland (Command Master Chief of Naval Submarine Base New London), Adm. John Padgett (Ret.) (Submarine Force Library & Museum Association), and Capt. Todd Moore (Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Base New London).

The museum strives to become the nation's top destination showcasing outstanding collections and innovative, tangible exhibits that celebrate the "honor, courage and commitment of submariners defending their country and citizens."

The Submarine Force Library and Museum is located at One Crystal Lake Road in Groton. Admission and Parking are free.

The museum also plays host to the Nautilus.

According to museum records, in July 1951, Congress authorized construction of the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. Her keel was laid by President Harry S. Truman at the Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton on June 14, 1952.

After nearly 18 months of construction, Nautilus was launched on Jan. 21, 1954 with First Lady Mamie Eisenhower breaking the traditional bottle of champagne across her bow as she launched into the Thames River.

Eight months later, on Sept. 30, 1954, Nautilus became the first commissioned nuclear powered ship in the United States Navy. Over the next several years, Nautilus shattered all submerged speed and distance records and in 1958 accomplished the first crossing of the North Pole by a ship.

She was decommissioned on March 3, 1980 after a career spanning 25 years and over half a million miles steamed.

Two years later, Nautilus was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior on May 20, 1982 and, following an extensive historic ship conversion at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Nautilus was towed to Groton and arrived on July 6, 1985, according to the museum.

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Connecticut. Other columns in this series for 2021 include:

• The UConn Dairy Bar
• Grove Hill Cemetery, Vernon
• Backwoods Smokin' BBQ
• The Ranch House
• Connecticut State Police Museum
• Berlin Historic District
• Connecticut Parachutists Skydiving Club
• Tail Winds Ice Cream Shop
• The MLK Mural
• The Hilltop Restaurant and Bar
• Fork & Fire
• Lena's Italian Kitchen
• The Benedict Arnold Trail
• Swank Pearce
• Vernon Depot Historic Park
• Farr's Sporting Goods
• Robs Drivin Diner

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