Most New Jerseyans Have Never Heard Of This Fascinating Naval Museum

New Jersey has a whole host of fascinating museums that rarely get the attention they deserve. One such museum is located at Naval Air Station Wildwood. If you're a local or frequent shore-area traveler, you may be familiar with this gem hidden in Hangar #1. Otherwise, you may be discovering something brand new...

Commissioned in April 1943, Naval Air Station Wildwood served as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility during World War II.

Training was dangerous and dozens of men died during the process between 1943-1945. Following World War II, NASW transitioned to a civilian airport but the site still honors these brave veterans.

Historic Hangar #1 was restored and transformed into a non-profit museum.

You'll find a number of aircraft, engines, special exhibits, and educational interactive displays. The museum invites visitors to explore aviation and military history through "hands-on" fun.

The 92,000 square foot museum includes a room dedicated to the men who died in training. It contains a plaque with all 42 names and a few pieces of debris from fatal crashes that occurred at the air station.

There is also a board for all veterans to sign, so they can leave a tangible mark in history. The room is a place of respect, honoring those who have served.

The wide range of exhibits and displays include everything from coding machines to flight simulators.

Local heroes are prominently featured, there are interactive activities that focus on the science of flight, and there's even an authentic air traffic control tower inside the museum!

Planes on-site include the F-14 Tomcat, A-4 Skyhawk, TBM Avenger, and Boeing-Stearman PT-17 Kaydet, among others. There are also helicopters!

While much of the museum is focused on WWII, there is a moving exhibit called "All Available Boats" that is centered around the Coast Guard response to September 11th, 2001.

This museum is a very special place and perfect addition to your Wildwood or Cape May-area vacation. You can find it at 500 Forrestal Road, Rio Grande. During peak season, they are open daily from 9-4. Beginning December 1st, they are open on weekdays only. Check out their website here.