The Tugboat Museum is situated in downtown Norfolk and is docked next to Nauticus on the waterfront. The boat has been renovated to present life onboard the tug and features photographs and artifacts from its working life. The 300-ton tug boat is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and was named the Huntington, after the shipyard founder Collis B. Huntington. It was built in 1933 at the Newport News Shipyard by its apprentices. The tugboat operated in Norfolk' harbor and the James River, and was a well-known sight on the water where it assisted cruise liners, submarines, and warships including aircraft carriers for over 50 years. It has been estimated that the Tug Huntington assisted around 40,000 boats during its working life, and moved every vessel that was built by the Newport News Shipyard.
Its owner Brook Smith, who also owns the American Rover tall ship that offers sailing tours in Norfolk Harbor, decided to preserve the tug following its retirement in 1994.
The half hour tour of the tug boat reveals the engine room with her incredibly powerful engine, and life on board the boat in the renovated crew's quarter, salon and galley. There are displays and video presentation charting the history of the towing industry. The tug also includes operational parts such as the two water cannon where children can 'fire' water into the harbor. They can also sound the tug boat's whistle and learn to tie knots. Admission prices are $1 for children and $2 for adults.
