Harbor Defense Museum and its collection

The Harbor Defense Museum, also known as The Caponier, is situated within the grounds of Fort Hamilton in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn. This 19th-century fort is New York City's only military museum and is one of only seventy military museums in the United States that is funded and operated by the Defense Department. The museum is housed in a structure known as a caponier, which was originally an outwork designed to protect the main fortress from rear attacks.

Artifacts and Exhibits at the Harbor Defense Museum

The Harbor Defense Museum houses a wide array of artifacts from New York's military history. These include relics from the American Revolutionary War, uniforms from various wars, old maps of the fort, the post's old switchboard, and an exhibit on a secret tunnel that connected Fort Hamilton with another base half a mile away. The museum also displays a Confederate mine and a piece of the net that protected New York Harbor from German U-boats during World War I.

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ENHarbor Defense Museum of Fort Hamilton

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology War Historic house

Harbor Defense Museum
Sheridan Loop 230
NY 11252 New York
New York

Visitor information Harbor Defense Museum

Opening hours

Monday
10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 16:00
Thursday
10:00 – 16:00
Friday
10:00 – 16:00
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Admission

0+Free

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Harbor Defense Museum.

Location & Map

Sheridan Loop 230, New York

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Harbor Defense Museum have been found.

Harbor Defense Museum Reviews

Harbor Defense Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Harbor Defense Museum, located in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, offers visitors a look into the military history of New York Harbor. This small museum houses a collection of artifacts, weapons, and exhibits that showcase the evolution of coastal defense from the Revolutionary War to modern times. Many visitors appreciate the informative displays and the opportunity to explore a piece of local history. The museum's location within an active military base adds to its authenticity, though it also means visitors need to go through security clearance to enter. While some find the exhibits interesting, others note that the museum is relatively small and can be explored quickly. The staff, often volunteers, are generally described as knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter. However, some visitors mention that the museum could benefit from updates and more interactive displays. Overall, the Harbor Defense Museum provides a niche experience for those interested in military history, but may not appeal to all tourists visiting New York City.

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  • Aggregated rating

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