SAGINAW VALLEY NAVAL SHIP MUSEUM
Home of USS EDSON (DD 946)
A National Historical Landmark
Mission Statement
Located in the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan, the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum (SVNSM) serves our guests and local communities as a premier military and maritime museum in order to provide a unique, educational experience and honor those who have defended our nation’s freedom and independence in support of the ongoing stewardship and preservation of USS EDSON (DD 946) as a national historic landmark.
The Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum, formed as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation in 1997, brought USS EDSON (DD 946) to Bay County’s riverfront as a unique attraction. Today, volunteers and staff work to preserve and promote USS EDSON as a national historic landmark, an important piece of history, and to serve as a reminder of Bay City’s century-old shipbuilding heritage.
Preservation, of course, requires constant vigilance as well as investments in financial, industrial, and human resources. We are grateful to all our volunteers and supporters who are crucial and indispensable in their help with the formidable task of preserving USS EDSON.
Change in Hours for End of Season. General public touring ends 1 November. All tours and events from 1 November 2024 through 31 March 2025 by reservation.
Please call our business office at (989) 684-3946.
Winter Season Schedule
November 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025
Note: Weather Dependent. Times Subject to Change.
Last Ticket Sales One Hour Before Closing.
Hours of Operation
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
By Reservation
By Reservation
By Reservation
By Reservation
By Reservation
By Reservation
By Reservation
General Admission - Self Guided Experience
VETERAN - FIRST RESPONDER - TEACHER - SENIOR
1-Day AdmissionACTIVE DUTY MILITARY - TIN CAN SAILORS - USS EDSON CREW
1-Day Admission** Tickets may be purchased in-person at our Guest Services or online. **
Guided Tour Admission
Looking for an enhanced experience aboard the historic USS EDSON? Let our knowledgeable and passionate guides take you on the ultimate tour!
With a guided tour, you’ll gain exclusive insights into the ship’s storied history, its role in naval operations, and the lives of the brave sailors who served aboard. Our guides bring the USS EDSON to life with fascinating stories, fun facts, and a deep dive into the ship’s inner workings, from the towering bridge to the engine room below deck.
Enhance your visit for just $10 more and enjoy a fully guided tour that will make your trip unforgettable.
** Tickets may be purchased in-person at our Guest Services or online. **
Tours, Groups, Overnights, Private Events and More
Whether you’re looking for a unique day trip experience, an engaging group tour, an exciting overnight scout camping adventure, a hands-on school field trip, or a spine-tingling paranormal program, the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum (SVNSM) offers a variety of unforgettable group encounters that cater to all interests and ages.
Explore the historic USS EDSON, a decommissioned Forrest Sherman-class destroyer, and immerse yourself in its fascinating history and stories of heroism. From walking the decks where sailors once stood to experiencing life aboard a Navy ship, each visit provides a deeper appreciation for naval history and the sacrifices made by those who served.
Membership
The USS EDSON (DD-946) museum ship is operated and maintained entirely by the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. As you can imagine, restoring and maintaining a ship this size is a daunting and expensive endeavor.
Please consider supporting the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum through membership. By becoming a member, you will be helping to preserve the USS EDSON (DD-946) for future generations.
History
Commissioned in 1958, the USS EDSON, a Forrest Sherman-Class Destroyer, proudly served for 30 years, completing 10 deployments during the Vietnam War. Known for its resilience and firepower, the EDSON played a pivotal role in providing naval gunfire support, firing over one million pounds of ammunition in defense of freedom and supporting ground forces during critical operations.
Renowned as the ‘Grey Ghost of the Vietnamese Coast,’ the USS EDSON earned numerous accolades for its exceptional service, including battle stars and commendations for its unwavering commitment to duty. Its advanced design and technological innovations represented a significant leap in naval engineering, showcasing the strength and capability of mid-20th-century naval forces.
Volunteer
Restoring and maintaining a ship of this size is a daunting and expensive endeavor, requiring countless hours of dedicated work and significant financial resources. Together, we can honor her storied past and keep her legacy afloat for years to come.
There are many ways to volunteer at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. As a volunteer, your knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment will make the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum a pleasant and enjoyable place for our visitors.
We are always looking for volunteers willing to come down and help work on the ship’s restoration. If you can hold a paint brush or a screw driver, we can put you to work. We can also use people to help with special events, assistance in the gift shop, and help with general upkeep around the property.
Donate
Your donation plays a vital role in preserving the USS EDSON and its legacy as a symbol of bravery, service, and maritime heritage. As a nonprofit organization, the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum relies on the generosity of supporters like you to maintain, restore, and operate this historic vessel.
Every contribution helps:
- Preserve the USS EDSON for future generations.
- Fund essential maintenance and restoration efforts.
- Support educational programs and hands-on experiences for visitors.
- Enhance exhibits and historical displays to honor the ship’s storied past.
Whether you’re passionate about military history, maritime preservation, or community education, your donation makes a lasting impact. Help us continue to share the incredible stories of those who served aboard this iconic destroyer.
Donate today and become a part of history!