u.s. coast guard cutter ingham maritime museum

038judy

My husband, a former member of the USCG found the tour highly informative and great memories of his time with the service.

felix0wl

Well looked after. Volunteers had carefully arranged fans all around the boat, so it wasn't too hot. An interesting piece of history all around.

258sharong

The self guided tour is very complete. Our intrduction done by a well informed guide before the self tour. The ship is very much intact.

Cheri215

It was a nice self-guided tour. Follow the arrows painted on the floor to find your way. You will be climbing up and down original ladders to get to the different decks. At the end is a display of different things. Fans going in the areas but very stuffy and musty smelling. I enjoyed learning about her voyages but was glad to get in the fresh air. Not recommended for people who have issues with tight spaces or climbing narrow ladders.

nonni0321

The guides were dressed in era costumes and were very knowledgeable. Most of the museum is self guided where you take take all the time you want with each display. Be sure to go to the top of the tower for the best views of the city and port.

18debh

Visiting this ship was an education in maritime military history. As my son had recently done a project on a similar ship we came to Key West with this on our must do list. The ship does not look that large or impressive from land, but we were not disappointed. We were greeted by a very friendly gentleman, who explained how to do our self-guided tour, including safety instructions. Once we got into the ship we were surprised to see it was like stepping back in time, with original furniture, equipment and supplies, even logs that we could read. There is a section mid-ship that has a lot of added museum quality displays, art and information. We were then able to head up to the bridge and see the equipment through the window. This ship saw a lot of action in the second world war and Vietnam, and a Coast Guard ship up until the 1980's when it was de-commissioned. It is has been given 2 presidential decorations, many commendments and awards. The tour gave us an appreciation for those who served in the Navy during and after the war. Lest we forget.

frandog

greatplace for maritime history, interesting, coast guard , protectors of mariners, but having to do more than 50 characters, is a pain

T-bone727

Really enjoyed the self guided tour of this historical ship. Truly amazing. Happy hour on the deck was great too. Alternative to Mallory square for sunset

Ebbe5

What an honor it was to visit this fascinating Coast Guard Cutter. It was so interesting seeing all the artifacts and reading the history of this ship that was the most decorated vessel in US history. I highly recommend taking the tour and supporting this museum.

bkingjay

Only available on Friday and Saturday nights...$5 gets u a great view and a drink...and helps a worthy cause

EagleForever

We enjoyed the tour and the access we had to viewing all the major parts of the ship. It was a self-guided tour and I did wish we woudl have had someone taking us around but it was still very good.

penny1953

My husband is a veteran of the Coast Guard and loved the tour. He said the smell of being on board came right back to him.

weedpatch

Being a nature lover, I went over to the Eco Discovery Center which was a disappointment. Having time on my hands, I walked over to the Ingham. I expected it to be a disappointment as well (looks like a big ol' hulk). Had the BEST time! It is a time capsule (loved the typewriters! loved the officers' mess! loved the sick bay!) with a fascinating 57 year war history and a great museum of artifacts and photos as well. The volunteers were so forthcoming and dedicated. And then I had the great honor to meet retired Lt Bill Verge, who bought this ship in 1988 and created a 501c3 to preserve it and educate schoolchildren (and people like me!) with great stories. Then he told me to come back on Friday or Saturday, $5 buys wine and the sunset from the deck--and we're going. Can't wait to show my husband! (Careful wearing flipflops--ladders are steep and narrow!)

P9265IHlaurap

Yes, it's worth it! Yet, another retired vessel. This one was in service for over 50 years which is quite stellar considering ships are made to last for less than 40. This ship saw more battles and more action than any other ship I've ever read about (my husband is USN Ret Capt.). She is in excellent shape thanks to the foundation (your entry fee at work). You get to see what they wore, where they sat, where they ate, what they ate, what the halls, heads, staterooms, etc, looked like as nothing has changed. The ship has been modified a number of times due to the different missions it was sent on and they explain that very interestingly. There are letters, photos, occasionally a voice speaks to you out of the 1-MC. the tour is self guided. Be aware that the "ladders" or stairwells are quite steep and if you are not steady this may not be for you. For kids over the age of 10 it would be very interesting. Under ten I think it would be boring ... they'd want to run and you'd want to read ... not a good fit.Anyone having served in the Navy, or CG or was transported anywhere by ship ... this exhibit would interest you!

Twovets

My husband wanted to visit this ship....I was not sure I would enjoy it. I did! It was fascinating to tour an actual ship. The ship is set up well with good explanations, visuals and recorded tour information. This is well worth the visit. The volunteers were very helpful and well informed. We took our time to see everything, it was not rushed or crowded. Very nice.