History
For 142 years, Mare Island Naval Shipyard repaired and modernized ships of the U.S. Navy. Throughout these years, men and women of Mare Island worked to ensure the safety and greatness of our country. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin wall, the shipyard was no longer needed. The closure process began in 1993 and officially ended on April 1, 1996. It was a painful experience for thousands of individuals, both military and civilian. They had won the Cold War and the reward was closure. When the base was preparing for closing Assemblywoman Pat Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa0 presented a check for $500,000 to Ken Zadwick, President of the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation. The grant was to used to rejuvenate Building 46, a former smithery, and oldest building on the island. Plans were underway to create a museum in the complex, Today the Mare Island Museum is open and operated as an all-volunteer work in progress!
Specialties
History and tours of Mare Island, the first Naval Base on the West Coast, Mare Island was opened in 1854, and the base was closed on April 1, 1996. Our Mare Island Historic Park Foundation cares for some of the remaining Naval Shipyard properties on the Island, all holding National and State Landmark status. We offer St. Peter's Chapel (with Tiffany Stained Glass windows), our two Officer's Mansions and the 50,000 sq. ft Mare Island Museum for Special Events and parties, including Weddings.