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Alameda Naval Air Museum
- Hours:
Sat-Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
5 reviews for Alameda Naval Air Museum
5 reviews in English
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Review from Curran H.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2012 2 photos
I first heard of the Alameda Naval Air Museum at, of all places, the Gatsby Weekend, that Art Deco wing-ding that is held every August at the Dunsmuir Manor. One of the volunteers there was a very nice fellow who drove a 1940s taxi for attendees and, during the course of a ride he gave my wife and I, he ended up inviting us to come visit the ANAM. Since the Museum is very close to the Alameda Flea Market (which we always attend), we kept intending to visit the Museum afterwards, but too often found ourselves too tired to do so.
Then last week when we were leaving the Flea, we decided we still had enough energy to stop into the Museum. I have to admit that, from the outside, it doesn't look like much; just a utilitarian concrete building from the '40s, in the early stages of decay, on the edge of the Naval Air Station. But entering the museum, we were warmly greeted by three nice older folks who immediately engaged us in conversation. One of them, a fellow named Bill, offered to show us around. We paid our $5 each and tagged along.
Bill was quite a character, and part of a vanishing breed of authentic Americana that we're all poorer for losing more of every day. When the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor, Bill enlisted in the Navy and spent the War serving on big ships deep in the Pacific Theater. I don't care how much of a peacenik you might be, to serve your country in a time of international crisis is brave and honorable, and Bill exemplifies the best of his generation. He also reminded me quite a bit of both my late father and my father-in-law, who also served on a ship in the Pacific during the War.
Bill guided us from exhibit to exhibit, showing us the Museum's countless installations, models, photos and memorabilia, and enriching our experience immeasurably with personal anecdotes and a ready sense of humor. At the drop of a proverbial hat, he would recite poetry from memory that he had written about the War, military life, lost love and other topics; all of it quite moving.
The Museum's collection may not be as slick and "Hollywood" as some Museums but it makes up for it with the personal involvement of dozens of enthusiastic volunteers. And some of the exhibits were downright fascinating, such as a wall with three "bombsights" that you can peer through and see a recreation of the Battle of Midway from the perspective of a pilot; all accomplished with a huge turntable, model ships and lots of cotton-wool! You have to see it to believe it.
Bill took us on a special tour of the second floor and even up to the third floor, which is not normally accessible to visitors. But since my father had been a docent at Castle Air Museum and was ex-service, Bill volunteered to show us the Museum's amazing library up there that will (hopefully) soon be open to visitors. We also got to meet "Chief" Parry, the man who helps run the Museum and is a veteran of two wars, an amazing model builder, and another good old-fashioned American, like they're not making anymore.
Is the Museum for everyone? No. If you're someone who finds the very idea of men and women answering their nation's call to fight and defend it from invasion, do everyone a favor and stay home. If you believe that museums must have Disneyland-level audiovisual sophistication, you'll probably be disappointed. But if you have an interest in Bay Area history, if you admire Americans who served their country during WWII, and if you enjoy the company of those who actually were there, the ANAM is a unique and irreplaceable resource. I doubt very much that you'd regret the visit and it may be for you, as it was for us, a richly rewarding experience. It would also be the perfect combination with visiting the nearby USS Hornet. -
Review from Paul O.
San Francisco, CA
4/11/2012
I came here once with my pops to see something new. As soon as we walked in the door, we were greeted with a grunt instead of a welcome. I immediately disliked how rude the staff was. I don't know what their story was but we almost walked out after that.
The actual museum was okay. There's some interesting local history on the Clipper Ship flying boats that the late Pan Am flew as well as some exhibits on the Doolittle Raid & on Lt. General Doolittle himself.
Most of the stuff presented here is either models or little trinkets from different wars(mostly WW2). My dad commented that it looks like "a veteran's garage" since its so full of random military gear.
For $5 you really do pay for what you get. I'm glad they don't charge a penny more for that. Its really nothing to boast about. For a superior experience, go to the USS Hornet just down the road from this place. Its got more to see, its living history & the veterans that volunteer there are a lot more pleasant than the guys at Alameda Naval Air Museum!
P.S. As we walked out of this place, we noticed there was a fenced area directly next to the parking lot & museum that warned there were radioactive elements present & that you'd need a hazmat suit to go any further! Even more reason not to come here! -
Review from G M.
El Cajon, CA
I didn't actually enter the museum, but our group held a car event in the large parking lot and the magnificent ships provided the greatest backdrop. The parking lot conditions (asphalt) were phenomenal after we cleaned the course with a few laps in the cars.
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Review from karen z.
Alameda, CA
11/22/2009
If you're a fan of history, this is a great place. I'm not into the military, or war, but both have played a large part in the history of our country, and you can take from this place what you will.
The exhibits present actual artifacts with newspaper articles from the time, and reminiscences of those who were actually there. There are upteen models of different aircraft and carriers, and many of them were built by a volunteer we met while there.
There's even a radio-controlled model of a Japanese carrier built from actual plans from that country's government.
"Chief" runs the place, built a bunch of the aircraft and ship models, is a Vietnam vet, and a man of great social conscience, which might upset your expectations - this place is not run by a bunch of war mongers but humans caught up in conflict and sorting it out the best they can.
He also knows a lot about Alameda and its history and evolution, so if you live here, it's especially interesting.
So, go. Look up Chief. Ask him about the Tuskegee Airmen and the ghost of the USS Hornet. You'll be glad you did. -
Review from Christy B.
Pacifica, CA
2/21/2008
so, what an interesting experience this was!
i'm a total liberal, but the boy i nanny loves planes, and all things war. (how very typical of a 5 year old!) so, we came here one afternoon.
the people running the show were so nice, helpful, friendly, showed us around, let D get up in the cockpit of an old plane, etc. One guy showed us his favorite parts of the collection, told us stories of when he was in the service, let me pick up an old piece of ammo for the ( I think, not sure) B-52 bomber. really, cool stuff. i learned alot.
very interesting, all the stories were very pro military, pro war, and even the talk was pretty pro bush. but, although none of that appealed to me in any way, i couldn't help but feel a fondness for the people down there, volunteering their time for something they loved and felt strongly about.
they place is run entirely by volunteers, thus the slim hours open. the place had numerous displays categorized by what method, i didn't quite pick up on. it clearly is underfunded, and it shows.
