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.

It was felt that in this location a suitable memorial and museum to the Seabees could be created. This would include historical displays of Quonset huts (read more about Quonset Huts). These round-top buildings have been closely associated with the Seabees since WW-II and were originally designed and manufactured in Davisville.

A non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation was formed … the "Seabee Museum and Memorial Park." The corporation was originally made up of members from Island X-1 Davisville. As the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park began to develop, board members outside Island X-1 Davisville were added.

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 original cost of this project was $5 million.

The Museum Today
The Seabee Museum and Memorial Park is continually seeking help — donations of memorabilia, time, and money — to keep the proud history of the US Navy Seabee accomplishments alive at the original home of the Seabees. Here’s how you can help: