RELEASE: United States Navy Memorial Expands Student Interview Program Nationwide in honor of U.S.Navy’s 250th Anniversary

Washington, D.C. — In celebration of the United States Navy’s 250th anniversary, Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr., USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the United States Navy Memorial, has directed Dr. Matt Fash and the education team to expand its Student Interview Program, a national initiative designed to preserve the stories of our Nation’s Sea Service heroes. This expansion will bring this extraordinary program across the country, enriching the educational experiences of students, teachers, and communities. 

Much like President Ronald Reagan’s historic 600-ship Navy vision, this initiative reflects a renewed commitment to honoring the legacy of service, sacrifice, and patriotism that defines our maritime heritage.

“We are not just expanding a program,” said Vice Admiral Nowell. “We are launching a movement—one that empowers students and teachers to become historians, archivists, and storytellers of America’s Sea Service legacy.” 

About the Student Interview Program 

The Student Interview Program invites students to become Digital Interns and members of the Navy Memorial education team. Participants conduct oral history interviews with individuals connected to the Sea Services, preserving their stories through digital archiving.  

Educators may also become Digital Contributors, guiding students through the process and helping shape a new generation of civic-minded historians. 

Why Join This National Initiative? 

  • To preserve and honor the stories of our Nation’s Veterans, Active-Duty Personnel, the stories of their families, those who support the Sea Services and much more 

  • To document untold histories and ensure they are never forgotten 

  • To connect students with real-world experiences in history, journalism, and civic engagement 

  • To be recognized as contributors to a National project and learn invaluable skills such as public speaking, problem solving, and more 

This expansion marks a significant milestone in the Navy Memorial’s educational outreach, aligning with the Navy’s 250th year of service to the Nation. It is a call to action for schools, educators, and students to join a mission that transcends the classroom and touches the heart of American history. 

Get Involved 

Schools, colleges, students, educators, scout troops, history clubs, and more interested in joining the Student Interview Program can email Education@navymemorial.org to receive registration materials and onboarding information. 

Together, we will preserve the stories of our Sea Service heroes—one interview at a time. 

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About US Navy Memorial 

The US Navy Memorial is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to Honor, Recognize and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present and future; and to Inform the public about the criticality of their support for the sea services. The US Navy Memorial and Visitors Center is located on Pennsylvania Avenue, halfway between the White House and Capitol Hill.  

Retired Vice Admiral John Nowell, Jr. serves as the President and CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial. With a distinguished career of 38 years in the Navy, VADM Nowell had operational command at various levels, including command of a forward-deployed Strike Group in the Western Pacific, and he finished his service as the Navy’s 59th Chief of Naval Personnel. 

Emily Oh