Nautical History Gallery & Museum
0 Reviews
Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder that any of these fun places we may visit, we are a guest at. Please treat both businesses and trails with the utmost respect. We here at Hidden San Diego follow the 'Leave no Trace' mantra, meaning whatever you bring with you comes back with you. If you see trash on a trail, please do your part to help remove it. Remember, we are not picking up trash from another person but instead cleaning up for Mother Nature. Happy adventures!
2640 Historic Decatur Rd
Bldg. 200 ste 108
San Diego, CA 92106
619-366-2469
Hours: Th-Sa 10AM-7PM // Su 11-5PM.
Call for special appointments
Dog-Friendly: Yes  Kid-Friendly: Yes
About the Nautical History Gallery & Museum
Talk about a true hidden gem! Tucked away inside the historic Dick Laub NTC Command Center in Liberty Station is a very easy to miss FREE museum.
The Nautical History Gallery & Museum was created by Veteran Joe Frangiosa as a true labor of love. I feel people from all walks of life will be able to appreciate the amount of time and dedication he has put into this space.
He said he didn’t realize at the time, but creating these miniature pieces was a coping mechanism for him from almost 20 years in the Navy and Marine Corps. He highly encourages everyone to find a passion/hobby as it can dramatically uplift your life. 
The museum is small at 800 sq. ft. but PACKED with old artifacts and things to see. One of the most historical pieces he owns is a crew member scrapbook from the USS Arizona that sunk in Peark Harbor. 
The gallery offers history of the U.S. Navy, showcasing its evolution from the Revolutionary War through World War II, including the rise of naval aviation. The exhibit features interactive elements that will engage kids, while adults will appreciate the intricate, scratch-built ship models that represent the history of the Navy and its sailors. 
Visitors will see models, artifacts, photographs, uniforms, and toys that highlight naval history, including the U.S. Marines and naval aviation from the 1760s to the 1940s.
On-site, you’ll have the opportunity to watch model ship builder Frangiosa work on his latest project. He has personally crafted every ship on display and is eager to share the stories behind them. 
Frangiosa’s Navy experience as an aviation boatswain’s mate on the U.S.S. Roosevelt took him to many parts of the world, and he later joined the U.S. Marines to finish his 20-year military career.
Specializing in unique, handmade history displays, Frangiosa creates three-dimensional models from research, using a variety of materials like poplar, basswood, brass, and leather to reflect significant changes in naval technology, from the Age of Sail to the Aircraft Carrier.
