National Coast Guard Museum Association Newsletter (Winter 2025)

WINTER 2025
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Coast Guard Reserve: Honoring
your service and supporting your
legacy
Building a future through STEM:
The National Coast Guard
Museum curriculum
Secure your legacy through
Freewill
STORIES
THAT
MATTER
WINTER 2025
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FROM OUR PRESIDENT
As we move through the first quarter of 2025, the Coast Guard remains at the forefront of
national security, maritime safety, and environmental stewardship. With evolving global
challenges, the Service is facing a unique moment in history—one that reaffirms its critical
role in safeguarding our Nation. Amidst these challenges, we at the National Coast Guard
Museum Association remain steadfast in our mission to build a world-class Museum that
will honor the men and women of the Coast Guard and inspire future generations.
I am excited to share that we continue to make significant progress. We have received
authorization to move forward with the pedestrian bridge, thanks to our strong partnership
with the State of Connecticut. With the Museum, elevator shafts have been installed,
marking another major milestone. Most importantly, we remain on schedule and on
budget, with construction slated for completion in early 2026 and an anticipated Museum
opening in late 2026.
Every piece of steel and every ton of concrete is progress towards our goal of a National
Museum. Our team has recently moved our office to the construction site, and it has reinvigorated
our drive to complete construction and raise the funds necessary to open
and ultimately help the Coast Guard both sustain and operate its world-class National
Museum. On behalf of our team, it is an honor to be involved with such a wonderful
endeavor.
And it is your unwavering support that makes this all possible. Every contribution—whether
through advocacy, financial support, or simply spreading the word—moves us closer to
our goal of bringing the National Coast Guard Museum to life. We are deeply grateful
for your dedication and look forward to keeping you updated throughout the year as
we steam ahead.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we are building something
extraordinary.
CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
President
National Coast Guard Museum Association
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

WE REMAIN ON
SCHEDULE AND
ON BUDGET, WITH
CONSTRUCTION
SLATED FOR
COMPLETION IN
EARLY 2026 AND
AN ANTICIPATED
MUSEUM OPENING
IN LATE 2026.
CAPT Mark Walsh, USCG (Ret.), National Coast Guard Museum Association
Chief Operating Officer, provides a VIP construction tour for RADM Timothy
Riker, USCGR (Ret.) on a blustery winter day.
WINTER 2025
PAGE 3

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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

HONORING YOUR
SERVICE AND
SUPPORTING YOUR
LEGACY
February 19 marks a special day in
the history of the United States Coast
Guard—the birthday of the Coast Guard
Reserve. Established in 1941, the Reserve has
played an indispensable role in ensuring the
safety and security of our Nation. On this
day, we pause to honor the commitment,
dedication, and sacrifice of the men and
women who have answered the call to serve
as Coast Guard Reservists.
THE BACKBONE OF READINESS
Coast Guard Reservists are a vital part of
Team Coast Guard. From supporting disaster
response and search-and-rescue missions
to ensuring port security and environmental
protection, Reservists seamlessly integrate with
active-duty personnel to fulfill critical missions.
Whether responding to natural disasters like
Hurricane Katrina, aiding in the Deepwater
Horizon oil spill cleanup, or serving in global
contingencies, the Reserve exemplifies the
Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect,
and devotion to duty.
These citizen-sailors balance civilian careers,
family commitments, and military obligations,
embodying the spirit of service that defines
the Coast Guard. They stand ready to support
operational needs at home and abroad,
ensuring the Coast Guard remains Always
Ready—Semper Paratus.
A MUSEUM THAT HONORS ALL
As we celebrate the Coast Guard Reserve, we
are reminded of the importance of preserving
their legacy for future generations. The National
Coast Guard Museum, set to open in 2026,
will be a place where stories of the entire Coast
Guard community are brought to life. Exhibits
will highlight pivotal moments in Coast Guard
history from World War II convoy escort
duties to modern-day missions. The Museum
will honor the impact of all components of the
Coast Guard family.
FUNDRAISING IN THEIR HONOR
In recognition of the Reserve’s birthday, the
National Coast Guard Museum Association
launched a special fundraising campaign
to honor their contributions. This initiative
allowed friends and supporters to provide
birthday wishes to our Reservist community
and offered a unique opportunity to celebrate
their legacy by supporting the Museum’s
mission to educate, inspire, and preserve
Coast Guard history.
JOIN THE CELEBRATION
Our celebration doesn’t need to end. This
year let’s come together to recognize the
Coast Guard Reserve and their extraordinary
contributions to our Nation. Whether you are
a veteran, a family member, or a friend of the
Coast Guard, this is the perfect time to show
your gratitude.
Visit www.cgmuseumassociation.org to
learn more about how you can help support
the National Coast Guard Museum.
Semper Paratus—and happy birthday to the
Coast Guard Reserve!
WINTER 2025
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BUILDING A FUTURE
THROUGH STEM:
THE LEARN-NATIONAL
COAST GUARD MUSEUM K-12
CURRICULUM PARTNERSHIP
As the National Coast Guard Museum prepares to open its doors, a unique educational initiative is
Aunfolding in partnership with LEARN, a regional educational service center dedicated to enhancing
Alearning experiences. Together, we are crafting a curriculum designed to engage students with the mission
Aand values of the U.S. Coast Guard through an interdisciplinary approach to STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This partnership is not only a pioneering effort to integrate real-world
applications into the classroom, but also a community-centered initiative that invites students into the history
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

and operations of the Coast Guard, fostering an
appreciation for maritime safety, environmental
stewardship, and service.
LAYING THE FOUNDATION: A
COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS
The curriculum development process has been
highly collaborative, involving teacher focus
groups, education consultants, and content
specialists who are deeply familiar with both K-12
learning requirements and the Coast Guard’s
mission. According to Linda T. Darcy, EdD,
Director of Teaching and Learning at LEARN,
and Gretchen Osodipe, an education consultant
with the organization, the goal is to produce
lesson packets that align with state standards
while also emphasizing interdisciplinary STEM
applications.
The LEARN team began by creating a
template that could be adapted for various
subjects and grade levels. This flexible
approach ensures that each lesson aligns with
state and national standards and incorporates
hands-on, inquiry-based learning that is
essential to STEM education. This framework
enables teachers to provide students with
skills that are directly applicable to real-world
scenarios, preparing them for future careers
while instilling a deeper understanding of the
Coast Guard’s role in society.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS: STEM
LESSONS WITH REAL-WORLD
RELEVANCE
The curriculum is designed to include gradespecific
lesson packets. For example, a fourthgrade
lesson on oil spill response teaches
students about the environmental impact of
fuel and energy use, integrating National
Science Standards with language arts and
math skills. Students are tasked with evaluating
data on natural resources and learning about
the environmental effects of oil spills, mirroring
the type of environmental stewardship that the
Coast Guard embodies in its pollution response
missions.
For older students, the curriculum delves into
the mathematics and science behind Coast
Guard operations. A high school-level lesson
on search and rescue introduces geometry
and trigonometry concepts to help students
understand Search and Rescue patterns. Through
lessons on calculating bearings and analyzing
search patterns, students learn critical math skills
while understanding the life-saving role of the
Coast Guard. Additionally, lessons in statistics
and data analysis allow high school students
to engage in data-driven exercises that model
the Coast Guard’s approach to locating and
rescuing individuals in distress at sea.
ENGAGING AND INSPIRING FUTURE
GENERATIONS
Beyond the STEM connections, the curriculum
emphasizes community engagement and local
relevance using the National Coast Guard
Museum as a learning hub. By designing lesson
packets that encourage field trips, the LEARN
curriculum fosters a tangible connection between
students and the Museum, enhancing their
understanding of the Coast Guard’s historical
and present-day contributions to national
security and environmental protection.
One of the core objectives is to inspire students
to consider careers in fields related to the Coast
Guard, particularly in science, engineering, and
environmental studies. This initiative encourages
students to see themselves as part of a larger
story of service and innovation, reinforcing the
idea that their STEM skills could one day be
applied to missions that make a difference on
a global scale.
FUTURE PLANS: EXPANDING THE REACH
AND IMPACT
The LEARN-National Coast Guard Museum
partnership is only at its beginning stages.
Looking forward, the project envisions
expanding the curriculum to include more grade
levels and subject areas. Plans are in place to
make lesson packets available online, providing
teachers across the country with access to these
innovative resources. The Museum will serve as
a valuable site for professional development,
offering teachers opportunities to learn more
about integrating STEM and social studies with
real-world applications.
Additionally, the partnership hopes to provide
lesson kit materials that educators can use
to bring Coast Guard scenarios to life in their
classrooms. These kits could include interactive
maps, navigational tools, or even sample
materials used in pollution response, allowing
students to experience hands-on learning with
tools directly related to Coast Guard missions.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
CONNECTIONS
The partnership between LEARN and the
National Coast Guard Museum exemplifi es
how educational initiatives can strengthen
community connections. In a time when STEM
education is more critical than ever, the LEARN
curriculum offers a model for how museums and
educational organizations can work together to
inspire the next generation. This initiative does
more than teach students about science and
math; it builds character, strengthens community
ties, and encourages students to envision futures
where they, too, can make a difference.
As the National Coast Guard Museum opens
its doors, the LEARN partnership ensures that
it will be not only a repository of history but
also a living classroom, inspiring generations
of students to explore, learn, and serve. In the
years to come, as students engage with these
lessons and explore the museum, they will
gain more than academic knowledge—they’ll
gain a deeper appreciation for the service,
sacrifi ce, and innovation that defi ne the U.S.
Coast Guard and, by extension, the values that
strengthen our society.
WINTER 2025
PAGE 7

SECURE YOUR
LEGACY WITH
FREEWILL:
PLAN TODAY FOR
TOMORROW
As a steadfast supporter of the National
Coast Guard Museum, you are
part of a proud tradition of service,
dedication, and commitment to preserving
the history and legacy of the United States
Coast Guard. Just as the Coast Guard’s
mission safeguards our Nation, planning
for the future ensures that your own legacy
is preserved for generations to come. One
of the most impactful ways to do this is by
creating a will—a vital document that not only
protects your loved ones but also gives you
the opportunity to make a lasting contribution
to the causes you hold dear.
WHY HAVING A WILL IS ESSENTIAL
Surprisingly, more than half of Americans
do not have a will. Without one, state laws
dictate how your assets are distributed, which
may not align with your wishes. A will ensures
that:
• Your loved ones are cared for: You can
outline how your assets are divided,
appoint guardians for minor children,
and ensure your family’s needs are met.
• Your values live on: A will allows you to
support organizations and causes that
refl ect your passions and priorities.
• Your intentions are clear: By specifying
your wishes, you reduce the likelihood
of disputes among family members and
ensure a smoother process for those you
leave behind.
Creating a will is not just about fi nancial
assets. It’s about leaving a legacy that reflects
your life’s work, your beliefs, and your dreams
for the future.
FREEWILL: A SIMPLE, ACCESSIBLE
SOLUTION
To make this process as easy and accessible
as possible, the National Coast Guard
Museum has a partnership with FreeWill,
an online tool that empowers you to create
a legally binding will at no cost. FreeWill
simplifies estate planning with a user-friendly
platform that guides you step-by-step
through the process.
With FreeWill, you can:
• Complete your will in as little as 20
minutes.
• Ensure your assets are distributed
according to your wishes.
• Designate charitable contributions to
organizations like the National Coast
Guard Museum Association, ensuring
your legacy continues to inspire others.
FreeWill’s service is entirely free, allowing
you to take this important step without
financial barriers. Whether you’re just
beginning to consider your estate plan or
revisiting an existing will, FreeWill offers a
simple and effective solution.
LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT ON THE
NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM
The National Coast Guard Museum is
dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice,
and achievements of Coast Guard men and
women throughout history. By including the
Museum in your will, you help preserve
this rich legacy and ensure that future
generations can learn from the inspiring
stories of service.
YOUR PLANNED GIFT COULD:
• Support the development of immersive
exhibits and educational programs.
• Help maintain the Museum’s LEED-certified
facilities, reflecting our commitment to
sustainability.
• Enable the integration of cutting-edge
technology, such as simulators and
interactive displays, that bring Coast Guard
history to life.
No matter the size of your gift, your support
will contribute to a lasting tribute to the Coast
Guard’s vital role in our Nation’s history.
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

HOW
TO GET
STARTED
Getting started with FreeWill is simple. Here’s
how you can take the next step:
1
Visit FreeWill: Go to FreeWill’s website to begin
creating your will. https://www.freewill.com/
ncgma
2
Follow the prompts: The platform will guide you
through a series of questions about your assets,
beneficiaries, and any charitable contributions
you wish to make.
3
Print and finalize: Once complete, you can print
your will and follow the provided instructions to
make it legally binding. This may involve signing
in the presence of witnesses, depending on your
state’s requirements.
4
Share your wishes: Consider sharing your plans
with loved ones and notifying the National
Coast Guard Museum if you choose to include
us in your legacy.
Protect Your Legacy, Inspire the Future
Creating a will is an act of love and foresight. It
ensures that your family is cared for, your values
are upheld, and your legacy endures. For those
who believe in the mission of the National Coast
Guard Museum, it is also a powerful way to
make a lasting impact.
By planning today, you can help safeguard the
stories of bravery and resilience that define the
Coast Guard. Together, we can ensure that this
history continues to educate, inspire, and unite.
Take the first step today. Visit FreeWill and start
your journey to secure your legacy and protect
the future of the National Coast Guard Museum.
Your commitment and generosity will make a
difference for generations to come.
WINTER 2025
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

BE A PART OF
HISTORY:
YOUR NAME ON THE
WALL OF PHILANTHROPY
In 2026, history will be made with the grand
opening of the National Coast Guard
Museum—a beacon of honor, courage,
and service that will stand as a tribute to those
who have safeguarded our shores and served
our Nation. This world-class institution will not
only preserve the legacy of the Coast Guard
but also inspire future generations with the
incredible stories of those who have answered
the call of duty.
As the Museum takes shape, an extraordinary
opportunity awaits those who share a passion
for history and a vision for the future. By making
a cumulative gift or pledge of $50,000 by
end of 2025, you can ensure your name
will be inscribed on the Wall of Philanthropy,
a permanent and prominent feature of the
Museum Atrium, for the Museum’s grand
opening in 2026. This special recognition will
stand as a testament to your role in building this
landmark of service and dedication.
The Wall of Philanthropy is more than a listing
of generous donors—it is a celebration of
individuals, families, and organizations who
have come together to create something truly
historic. Imagine your name etched among
those who believe in the mission of preserving
the Coast Guard’s heritage and inspiring future
generations to rise to challenges with the same
resilience and determination that define the
Coast Guard spirit.
This year marks a pivotal moment as we
continue the march toward the Museum’s
opening. By acting now, you can forever
link your legacy to the Coast Guard’s,
demonstrating your commitment to honoring its
values and ensuring that its stories will resonate
for generations to come.
Joining the Wall of Philanthropy is not just about
contributing to a building; it’s about being part
of a story larger than ourselves. It’s about
standing shoulder to shoulder with heroes past
and present, builders and visionaries who have
shaped our Nation and continue to inspire us
today.
As the Museum approaches its intial fundraising
milestones, 2025 is the year to make your
gift and/or pledge to support the Museum
opening in 2026. Whether you are inspired
by the Coast Guard’s life-saving missions, its
role in securing our borders, or its commitment
to environmental stewardship, your support will
help bring this project to life.
Let your name become part of this incredible
journey. The Wall of Philanthropy will serve
as a powerful reminder of the unity, passion,
and pride of those who made this Museum
possible. Join us in making history in 2026.
To learn more about how you can add your
name to the Wall of Philanthropy, visit our
website or email Katherine Bainbridge at
kbainbridge@coastguardmuseum.org.
Together, we’ll ensure the Coast Guard’s
legacy is honored and its stories inspire
generations to come.
WINTER 2025
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NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM ASSOCIATION