More than a Museum. A movement.
We all have that moment when we’re inspired.
A sailor. A ship. A story on screen. Something that sparks curiosity — and connection.
That spark drives people to do extraordinary things.
It’s why a group of volunteers saved a battleship — and launched a national movement.
We turned a tool of war into an anchor of connection and purpose.
Since then, the ship has healed veterans, sparked futures, and inspired thousands.
It’s become a place where students discover what’s possible, veterans find renewed mission, and communities grow stronger together.
This is more than a ship or a museum.
It’s about healing, opportunity, and connection.
It’s about changing perceptions, inspiring service, and building resilience.
It’s about being an anchor of connection and purpose — for today and for the future.
Join us. The journey is just beginning.
DONATE TODAY
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
— Winston Churchill
Donate Today
Whether you’re supporting general operations, youth and veteran programs, or our transformational capital projects — every donation makes a difference. Your gift fuels purpose, preserves history, and powers a national movement built on service and connection.
In-Kind Giving
From tools and materials to professional services and supplies, in-kind donations help sustain our mission both onboard and beyond the ship. Your generosity directly supports maintenance, exhibits, education, and outreach programs that make lasting impact. For Artifacts, please email dway@labattleship or call 877-446-9261 ext. 713.
Be a Volunteer Crewmember
Join a community of mission-driven supporters making a steady, lasting impact. As a Volunteer Crewmember, you become part of a purpose-driven crew that keeps the ship strong, programs running, and inspiration alive all year long.
Mailing Address: Pacific Battleship Center, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731 | Phone: 877-446-9261 ext. 747
Donations to Pacific Battleship Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit, are tax deductible subject to certain limits and restrictions imposed by tax laws. Consult a tax professional for specific advice. Pacific Battleship Center’s tax ID for donation purposes is 26-3934742.
John Paul Jones Legacy Society
“They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation.”
— Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Your contribution can carry forward a mission of service — and be celebrated today.
Planned giving is a lasting way to reflect your values — supporting education, honoring service, and protecting history. By including Pacific Battleship Center, steward of Battleship IOWA, LA Fleet Week, and the National Museum of the Surface Navy, in your estate plans, you ensure this mission of connection and purpose endures for generations.
With your legacy gift, you will:
- Secure the future of the Pacific Battleship Center and its initiatives — ensuring the story of freedom of the seas and those who safeguard it lives on.
- Honor veterans by preserving and sharing their powerful stories of courage, sacrifice, and service.
- Inspire future generations through immersive, world-class experiences that connect youth to purpose, leadership, and maritime careers.
- Strengthen communities by supporting programs that promote peace, resilience, and civic engagement.
- Be recognized today as a member of the John Paul Jones Legacy Society, joining a community of leaders honored for their foresight and dedication.
- Leave your own legacy — one rooted in patriotism, leadership, and purpose, ensuring your values endure for generations.
Your planned gift will shape the future of a national movement — and your recognition in the John Paul Jones Legacy Society will inspire others to follow in your wake.
CAMPAIGNS
Changing lives by investing in community.
Capital & Infrastructure
Program
Events
PATRON CIRCLES
Honoring supporters whose generosity makes a lasting difference.
FAQ’s & MORE INFORMATION
Organization Information
Who or what is the Pacific Battleship Center?
The Pacific Battleship Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates the Battleship IOWA Museum, LA Fleet Week, and the future National Museum of the Surface Navy. Our mission is to honor service, educate youth, and inspire civic engagement through programs rooted in maritime heritage, veterans support, and community resilience.
Our focus is on people, not artifacts, and on creating impact through programs that inspire purpose, spark curiosity, and bring people together in meaningful ways.
- Learn more about our purpose and people.
- View our financial information.
- View our most recent news and updates.
What is your Vision & Mission?
Our Vision
To inspire global awareness of freedom of the seas.
Our Mission
To ignite curiosity, connect communities, and enhance understanding of America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.
Is the Pacific Battleship Center a reputable nonprofit organization?
Yes. The Pacific Battleship Center is a trusted and transparent 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to fiscal responsibility, mission-driven impact, and public accountability.
We are proud to be recognized by leading nonprofit evaluators:
✅ Gold Seal of Transparency on Guidestar – View our Guidestar profile
⭐ Charity Navigator Rated – See our Charity Navigator rating
Our EIN (Tax ID) is 26-3934742. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
If you have any questions or need documentation for your giving records, please contact us at development@surfacenavymuseum.org.
What are the ways I can support your mission?
There are many impactful ways to support the Pacific Battleship Center and the future National Museum of the Surface Navy. Whether you want to give financially, volunteer your time, or leave a legacy, your contribution helps us honor service, educate youth, and strengthen our community. You can:
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Make a one-time or recurring donation – Give Now
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Leave a legacy through planned giving – Explore Legacy Options
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Contribute an in-kind donation – Contact us at development@labattleship.org
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Volunteer aboard Battleship IOWA – Sign Up to Volunteer
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Support a capital project – From exhibits to preservation, see current priorities
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Sponsor a program or event – See our programs and/or email development@surfacenavymuseum.org to explore opportunities
Every gift—no matter how it’s given—makes a lasting difference.
Will I receive a tax deduction for my donation?
Yes. The Pacific Battleship Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
After your gift is processed, you will receive an acknowledgment letter or email that can be used for your tax records.
Tax ID (EIN): 26-3934742
If you have any questions about your donation or need a duplicate receipt, please contact us at development@labattleship.com.
If I'm mailing a donation, who should I make the check payable to?
We are located aboard the historic Battleship USS Iowa at the Port of Los Angeles on the LA Waterfront in San Pedro, one of the most vibrant and diverse waterfront communities in Southern California.
Please make checks payable to Pacific Battleship Center. You can mail them to:
Pacific Battleship Center
250 S. Harbor Blvd.
San Pedro, CA 90731
I’d prefer to donate over the phone. Is that possible?
Yes! We’re happy to assist you with a donation by phone.
Please call us at (877) 446-9261 and select the option for Development or Donations.
Our team will ensure your gift is processed securely and answer any questions you may have.
Giving Opportunities
What programs do you offer?
Our programs fall under three core pillars — Education, Veterans, and Community — each focused on building bridges, inspiring curiosity, and fostering human connection. We use history as a platform, not a destination, creating inclusive spaces where people can discover purpose, relate across differences, and contribute to something greater than themselves.
🧭 Education
We ignite curiosity and inspire purpose through immersive experiences that connect people to stories of service, innovation, and leadership. Our education efforts reach both youth and the general public, creating learning environments that challenge, engage, and empower.
Programs include:
- Battleship IOWA Experience
- Life of a Sailor (coming in 2026)
- National Museum of the Surface Navy (coming in 2026)
- Camp Battleship Youth Overnight Encampment
- STEAM at Sea, Day of Discovery, and Field Trips
- Youth Career Pathways (coming in 2026)
➤ Support Education Programs today: Donate online →
🎖 Veterans
We serve those who served by fostering connection, identity, and opportunity beyond the uniform. Our veterans programs are designed to reduce isolation, celebrate service, and create new pathways through soft-skills training, mentorship, and workforce access.
Programs include:
- Transition Pathways
- Skillbridge
- Veterans Ceremonies & Events
- Comradery & Purpose
- Freedom of the Seas Pavilion (Veterans Resource Center – opening 2026)
Learn more about our Veterans Programs.
➤ Support Military & Veterans Programs today: Donate online →
🌎 Community
We activate public space, civic dialogue, and shared experiences that bring people together. Whether through regional resilience, neighborhood events, or national celebrations, our community programs strengthen trust, pride, and preparedness.
Programs include:
- Battleship IOWA Volunteer Crew
- LA Fleet Week
- Freedom of the Seas Park & Pavilion
- Los Angeles Disaster Resilience and Recovery Collective (LADRRC)
- Public Events & Community Engagement
➤ Support Community Resilience Programs today: Donate online →
➤ Support Volunteer Programs today: Donate online →
Can my gift support a specific capital campaign or infrastructure project?
Yes! We welcome donors who wish to invest in transformational capital projects that will shape the future of our mission. Current capital priorities include:
National Museum of the Surface Navy — Opening in October 2025, this will be the first museum in the nation dedicated to the Surface Navy, featuring immersive storytelling and leadership experiences.
➤ Support the museum: Donate online →
Freedom of the Seas Pavilion — A 550-person waterfront venue supporting community programs, education, ceremonies, and events (opening in 2026).
Freedom of the Seas Park — A dynamic public space with memorials, monuments, and outdoor exhibits honoring service and maritime heritage.
➤ Want to leave your mark? Sponsor a Legacy Paver →
Battleship IOWA Preservation and Maintenance — Critical restoration and upkeep of Battleship IOWA to ensure she remains a living symbol of freedom and service.
➤ Support the ship today: Donate online →
To learn more about naming opportunities, sponsorships, or leadership gifts, please contact us at development@surfacenavymuseum.org.
Do you offer monthly giving options?
Yes — and it’s one of the most impactful ways to support our mission long term.
When you donate online, simply select the “Make this a monthly donation” option.
Recurring donations help us plan ahead and sustain programs for veterans, students, and the community year-round.
Even small monthly gifts add up to big impact over time.
Can I dedicate my donation to someone special?
Yes! You can make a donation in honor or in memory of a loved one, veteran, friend, or shipmate.
During the donation process, simply indicate it’s a tribute gift and include the name of the individual in the “Write a note” box online or by adding it to the memo section of your check.
You can also choose to have an acknowledgment sent to their family or another recipient if you’d like. Please email development@labattleship.com or call 877-446-9261, if you would like us to send an acknowledgment to their family.
Tribute gifts are a powerful way to celebrate life, service, and legacy.
Can my foundation or donor-advised fund (DAF) make a grant to support your work?
Absolutely! We gladly accept grants from foundations, charitable trusts, and donor-advised funds. Contact us at development@labattleship.com or 877-446-9261 for grant-specific documentation or assistance.
Can my employer match my donation?
Yes! We participate in most employer matching gift programs. Check with your HR or benefits team—your gift could be doubled or even tripled. Need help? Reach out and we’ll gladly assist.
Can my company's ERG or team volunteer together?
Absolutely! We welcome employee groups, veterans’ ERGs, and company volunteer teams aboard Battleship IOWA for meaningful service projects. To schedule a group opportunity, email volunteer@labattleship.com.
Can I donate personal or family military artifacts to the museum?
We accept select artifacts that support the mission and exhibit themes of Battleship IOWA or the National Museum of the Surface Navy. To inquire, please contact our curatorial team at collections@labattleship.com before sending any items.
