Proposed New Great Lakes Naval Museum Design

On March 23, 2002, the Great Lakes Naval Museum Association engaged The Maude Group, LLC , for conceptual development of a new museum facility that will not only house exhibits, artifacts and materials, but will also provide an interactive experience that will enable visitors to gain insight into the rigors and challenges of recruit training, discover the rich tradition and history of service in the United States Navy, and acquire a new perspective on the operation and global responsibilities of today's Navy.

The Great Lakes Naval Museum Association is inching closer to its dream of opening the doors to a new naval museum that will be located just outside the main gate of Naval Station Great Lakes.

The U.S. Navy is working closely with the Great Lakes Naval Museum Association to transfer Building 42, originally known as the Hostess House and a nationally recognized historic building, to the Naval Museum Association to house the Great Lakes Naval Museum.

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation chose Chicagoland as the second region to receive $1 million in funding under the Partners in Preservation initiative. This historic program is designed to help restore and preserve cultural assets through community awareness and involvement for future generations to enjoy.

The Great Lakes Naval Museum Association’s “Hostess House” renovation project has been chosen as one of the finalists and could receive a grant ranging from $25,000 up to a maximum of $150,000.

Proposed “Hostess House” Renovation Concept Drawing








The Hostess House, designed by Gordon Bunshaft as the reception center for WWII Sailors,was opened in 1942 to provide a setting for thousands of Sailors to be reunited with their families and friends after completion of boot camp. Over the years it has seen many uses, but is now scheduled to be restored to its original form and house the Great Lakes Naval Museum,

Once transferred, the Museum Association will embark on a $15-20 million multi-phase plan to restore the Hostess House to its WWII grandeur. When restored, it will be the only museum in the United States dedicated to presenting the story of Naval training. Visitors will journey through over 10,000 square feet of the historic World War II building filled with hundreds of Navy artifacts, life-size photos, interactive displays and exhibits.

Though not finalized, preliminary design features for the exhibition portion of the proposed new museum include an orientation film intended to introduce visitors to today's Navy recruits, including where they come from and why they choose to serve. Other design features include:

• Career Options and Opportunities in the United States Navy
• The Transition from Civilian to Sailor
  - Today's Training Experience
  - History of Recruit Training
• Battle Station Exercises - How a Recruit Learns to React in Conflict and Battle Situations
• Graduation from Recruit Training
• Naval Service
  - Today's Navy, Mission and Logistics
  - Operational History of the Navy, from the American Revolution and the Origins of the U.S. Navy to the War on Terrorism
• Exit Experience; focus on accomplishments and dedication of the enlisted sailor as the backbone of the Navy

Other important concepts will receive prominent attention throughout the proposed new museum. One important concept will be a focus on the founding, history, and past and present operation of NSTC. In addition, the Association is committed to presenting the story of women in the Navy, from the WAVES of World War II to today's women sailors. The history and role of ethnic diversity in the Naval service will also be highlighted.

Site Plan and Location

The proposed new museum facility will be located near the main gate on the property of the Naval Service Training Command, though outside the barrier fence that surrounds the base. This will enable visitors to enter the museum even during periods of heightened command alert. At the same time, due to its close proximity to NSTC, the museum will fall under the response authority of Navy fire and police services.

Upon construction of the new facility, appropriate arrangements with NSTC fire and police commands will be made, and a staff recall list for emergency situations prepared and approved by NSTC, as required by Navy regulations.