In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Wright Museum will be highlighting one of New England’s most enduring contributions to the nation’s history: the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Officially established as a federal navy yard in 1800, but the home of shipbuilding as early as the 1600s, PNSY has a long and storied history. In it’s early days, notable ships such as the USS Washington and USS Congress were built there. In 1855, the shipyard was also responsible for the overhaul of “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution.

The first submarine built at the shipyard was the USS L-8 in 1917. During World War II, the shipyard’s production of submarines was prolific, tallying more than 70 subs, including a record 4 launched in a single day. In the Cold War era, the yard was also home to the construction of the revolutionary USS Albacore, the first teardrop-hull submarine.

Featuring vivid images and unique interactive activities, this special exhibit will explore all of this history, and more!

Exhibit runs May 1 – October 31, 2026.

Photo:  The USS Shad is launched at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on April 15, 1942. (Photo: US Navy)