Battleship New Jersey To Close Again Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Anyone looking to visit the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial will have to do so before Labor Day.

After that, the historic Naval ship moored on the Camden Waterfront will be closed until the museum’s Board of Trustees deems it viable to re-open, the board announced Monday morning.
Battleship New Jersey — the most decorated battleship in the 244-year history of the United States Navy — served in four wars and earned 19 Battle Stars during her many years of service.

Retired from active duty for the last time in 1991, she now serves as an enduring museum and memorial on the Camden waterfront. Her presence honors those brave men and women who fought and served to protect and preserve our precious freedom.

However, it has been shut down since March to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. This includes suspending the highly popular overnight encampment program, as well as all public events and private tours.

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The ship re-opened for tours in mid-June and has been operating under guidelines established by the New Jersey Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help limit the spread of the virus. Turnout for tours has been much lower than it normally is, resulting in the board’s decision to shut down until conditions improve.

“We have been entrusted as stewards of this national icon, and it is our fiduciary responsibility to make sure that future generations can walk the decks of this hallowed warship,” Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial Board of Trustees Chairman Marshall Spevak said. “By taking proactive action, the Board believes this temporary decision will result in a long-term benefit to the ship. Consequently, the Board has deemed it necessary to close until such time that we are able to resume more normal operations.”

The battleship doesn’t receive any financial support from the U.S. Navy, the board said. As a non-profit organization, the ship depends primarily on revenues it generates from tours, special events, and programs. The cancellation of these events and programs has resulted in significant financial losses.

“Over the past years, we have budgeted wisely, putting us in a financial position to weather any normal storm,” Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial Executive Director and CEO Phil Rowan said. “However, COVID-19 has us facing challenges we could not have previously envisioned. With just a fraction of our normal revenue coming in daily, we can no longer continue to operate indefinitely at this level.”

Assistance from the state, grants, and the generous gifts of benefactors have also been instrumental in helping to operate the Battleship as a world-class museum and memorial.

However, given the current fiscal climate in the State of New Jersey, future state appropriations to support the ship are not guaranteed.

The museum remains open through Sept. 7, after which it will close until further notice. A small staff will remain, including a maintenance crew and 24-hour security.

“The Big-J will continue to rest majestically at her berth in Camden, tied to her pier on the Delaware River. For now, her decks will be vacant of tourists as her staff, and dedicated crew of volunteers awaits the day when we can return and re-open to the public,” said Navy Captain (Ret.) Walt Urban, Jr., who served on the Battleship while on active duty, and is a Trustee and the ship’s Military Liaison Officer.

To make a donation to help sustain the Battleship New Jersey during this period and ensure its future, visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org.

See related: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know