Pieces of History ~ New Acquisitions, sponsored by Abel & Son Roofing and Siding. The NCWM accessioned the largest number of artifact donations from private donors during the years 2020 – 2021 in the Museum’s history. Museum Curator, Brett E. Kelly has assembled a...

In 1861 the idea of the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest honor, was approved by Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles. On December 21, 1861, Congress passed the bill which created the Navy medal. President Abraham Lincoln then signed it into law. The medal “to be bestowed upon such petty officers, seamen, landsmen, and marines as shall most distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action and other seaman-like qualities during the present war.”