Island X-1 approached the state with a plan to lease or transfer about 6-acers of land containing the historic concrete Chapel-in-the-Pines, constructed by the Seabees in the 1960s, three ammo bunkers and two Quonset huts. A key component was moving the famous Gate Seabee a few hundred yards north to its present position on the Museum grounds.

A non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation was formed originally made up of members from Island X-1 Davisville.

It’s important to note that this is a Seabee Museum, built by Seabees, run by Seabees, for Seabees and their families, as well as for the public. The majority of physical support comes from volunteer former Seabees, the Seabee Reserves, and the wives, sons, and friends of Seabees in Rhode Island.

From its founding, the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park has stood on its own, collecting grants from federal, public, and private sectors. The majority of funding received to date has been from the MCB-6 Association, other Seabees, the Rhode Island State Preservation and Historical Society, the Federal HUD Office, and a Federal Grant from the Department of Defense (allowing Seabee Reserves to perform a full summer training program here). While this may sound significant, it’s only a small percentage of the bricks and mortar required to complete this tribute to the "Original Home of the Seabees."

The Museum Today

The Seabee Museum and Memorial Park is committed to keeping the proud history of the US Navy Seabee's accomplishments alive at their original home. Here’s how you can help: