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.

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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.

Learn more about the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum’s Team.

USS SLATER is closed

for the winter!

We will reopen in April 2024!

3 April - 1 December 2024, Wednesday - Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM.

Guided tours start every 30 minutes. You may buy tickets at the door as you arrive or book them by following the link below.

We have a free parking lot right next to the ship, which is locked for the night as soon as the last tour group is off the ship.

PLAN YOUR VISIT!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

3 April: 2024 Opening Day

20 April: Scouting Program - Signs, Signals, & Codes Merit Badge

26 April - 4 May: Spring Work Week (SLATER is open to the public)

12 May: Mom’s Tour SLATER for free on Mother’s Day

27 May: Open for Memorial Day

15 June: DE Day Ceremony (10 AM aboard SLATER)

15 June: 80th Anniversary Party (Details to be announced soon)

16 June: Dad’s Tour SLATER for free on Father’s Day

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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.”

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.

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History

Education

Take a look at what we’ve been up to!

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Online 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.

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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.

Take a look at the promotions coming up!

Visit the last DE afloat in America!