Have you ever explored a piece of history that’s still afloat?   Tucked away in the Truman Waterfront Park is the extraordinary United States Coast Guard Cutter INGHAM Maritime Museum in Key West.

Embark on your journey upon a gallant ship with stories etched into every rivet and porthole.

The only Coast Guard Cutter afloat today to receive two presidential unit citations for Extraordinary Heroism in action against an armed enemy.

With over fifty years of service around the world USCG cutter INGHAM is a quintessential portrait of Coast Guard history from 1936 to 1988.

The INGHAM was one of seven “Treasury Class” cutters named after prominent United States Secretaries of the Treasury: Duane,  Bibb,  Ingham,  Hamilton and Tahey.

Launched between 1936 and 1937 they fulfilled the varied  missions of the Coast Guard during wartime and peacetime service for nearly 40 years.

The fleet distinguished itself for Action in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

In the Florida Keys visitors can experience three of the seven ships.

The Ingham is a National Historic Landmark and museum ship open for tours in Key West Harbor.   The DUANE and the BIBB serve as underwater museums and artificial reefs at rest off Key Largo.

Step right up the gangway of history aboard the INGHAM, a floating chronicle of the Coast Guard’s bravery and get a whiff of the sea that tells a story of Guardians who’ve danced with the ocean’s fury.

And don’t forget to duck,  because let’s face it sailors weren’t exactly the basketball players of their time.

Open Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 to 4:00.  Admissions for adults $15, children under six are free,  children 7 – 12 or $5, and veterans or $5 with ID.