The battleship iowa museum will install the "life of a sailor" exhibit, which will connect civilian and military communities through first-person narratives and contextual environments

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded a $930,000 Project Grant to the Pacific Battleship Center (USS Iowa) on October 1, 2025, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301). The funding supports the development and installation of the "Life of a Sailor" exhibit at the Battleship Iowa Museum in San Pedro, California. This experiential exhibition will feature life-size picture representations and first-person narratives from sailors and marines, both living and deceased, to educate visitors about naval service, leadership, and the Navy's historical role in protecting freedom of the seas. The exhibit is designed to build empathy and understanding among civilian and military communities while fostering interest in maritime careers and science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education.

The project will be completed by September 30, 2027, and will deliver interactive learning experiences intended to inspire visitors to pursue education, civic engagement, or service in the nation's sea services. The Museums for America program provides project-based funding to strengthen museums' capacity to serve the public through exhibitions, educational programs, community partnerships, and collections stewardship, supporting institutions of all sizes and disciplines across the United States and its territories.

The exhibit will include experiential and cross-disciplinary learning and discovery through interactive encounters with life-size picture representations of living and passed sailors and marines. Their stories will convey information about roles, ranks, and leadership qualities exemplified by those committed to protecting freedom of the seas. Stories are intended to build empathy, enhance understanding of the navy's role throughout history, and inspire guests to act, whether IT be through education, civics, or serving in the nation's sea services. Visitors will gain an understanding of maritime-related topics and steam curricula will foster an interest in maritime and related careers among students.