Destroyer Escort Historical Museum
During World War II, 563 Destroyer Escorts battled Nazi U-boats on the Atlantic protecting convoys of men and material. In the Pacific they stood in line to defend naval task forces from Japanese submarines and Kamikaze air attacks. Today, only one of these ships remains afloat in the United States, the USS SLATER.
Moored on the Hudson River in Albany, New York, the USS SLATER has undergone an extensive restoration that has returned the ship to her former glory. The museum offers one hour guided tours, youth group overnight camping, and a historic location to hold naval reunions.
SLATER is closed to the public for the winter
We will re-open Wednesday 7 April at 10 AM!
The Ship’s Store will be open Monday-Friday 8 AM - 3PM. Please give us a call if you plan to stop by.
After six weeks in the shipyard for repairs, SLATER returned to Albany on August 25th.
Check out the process here.
Membership
Help us preserve history and support our volunteers, become a member today!
Becoming a member of the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum is the most basic way you can support the restoration and educational programs aboard USS SLATER.
Members receive a subscription to our quarterly newsletter “Trim But Deadly,” an invite to special events we hold, and free admission to SLATER. If you include an email address we will also send you our monthly electronic newsletter, “Signals.”
History
Destroyer Escorts were built to escort convoys across the Atlantic Ocean and protect them from U-Boat attacks.
They stood in line in the Pacific Theater to protect shore bombardments from Kamikaze attacks.
DE’s, DER’s, and APD’s that survived World War II went on to serve in the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold Wars for the United States and several other navies around the world.
Walk the decks likes sailors, aim weaponry, learn the stories few know, and help us preserve history.
Virtual Tour
Step ‘inside’ the ship. We’ll give you a look into the extensive restoration each compartment has gone through in the last 20+ years. The restoration has been completed by volunteers and USS SLATER receives no regular government funding. The restoration of the ship has been funded through private donations, ticket sales, and merchandise sold in the Ship’s Store.
Ship’s Store
Get yourself some merchandise from our Ship’s Store! All profits go directly back to the restoration and preservation of USS SLATER.
We have hats, t-shirts, drinkware, magnets, challenge coins, coozies, plush bears, and toys.
Visit the last DE afloat in America!
What People Are Saying
“All ages will love this tour. Very engaging volunteers & a fun trip. You don’t need to be into military things to enjoy this tour, but is a bonus if you are. Very hands on for kiddos as well. 4 & 6 year old had a blast.”
Date of experience: October 2019
“This was my first visit and I was impressed with knowledge of our tour guide along with the helpfulness of the crew in the store. The whole experience was interesting and I learned a lot.”
-Date of experience: November 2019
“I’m a middle school student. I toured the USS SLATER with Priscilla and learned so much. We tried to stump her with our questions, but she was able to answer them all. We had a really fun time.”
-Date of experience: July 2019