Battleship New Jersey Unveils a Full Slate of Signature Events, Led by the 2nd Annual Sporting Clay Invitational on May 7
The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial is transforming one of the most iconic symbols of American naval history into a one-of-a-kind setting for competition, community and culture this spring, as it welcomes guests aboard for its second annual Sporting Clay Invitational on Thursday, May 7—an experience that blends sporting tradition with living history on the deck of the nation’s most decorated battleship.
The all-day invitational places participants inside a setting unlike any other in the region, allowing shooters to compete on a custom sporting clay course created specifically for the ship. Registration and breakfast begin at 9 a.m., setting the tone for a full day of friendly rivalry, team play and waterfront hospitality. The event once again features support from Cedar Creek Sporting Clays, which is providing materials and operational expertise to help bring the competition to life.
Unlike traditional outdoor shooting venues, the Invitational delivers a tightly organized, professionally managed course experience built around the ship’s layout and open-air viewing points. Shooters may bring their own firearms, but all ammunition is supplied on site to ensure consistency and safety throughout the competition.
Participants will fire a minimum of 50 targets, rotating through stations with five shots per station. At the conclusion of the initial rounds, the top four teams will advance to a championship shoot-off. Members of each championship team will receive an additional 24 shots in the final round, while other shooters will have the opportunity to continue enjoying open stations during the closing phase of the competition.
The day concludes with cocktails, lunch and a presentation of awards on the fantail of the ship, where the Delaware River and the Camden skyline provide a dramatic backdrop for one of the museum’s most popular annual fundraising events.
Organizers say the Invitational has quickly become a cornerstone event for regional supporters who value both competitive recreation and historic preservation. Proceeds directly support the ongoing restoration of the Battleship New Jersey as well as the museum’s expanding education programs that serve schools, youth groups and community organizations throughout South Jersey and beyond.
Sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations looking to align their brand with one of the state’s most respected cultural institutions. Sponsorship packages offer prominent visibility to a highly engaged and civic-minded audience, along with access to networking opportunities and recognition across event signage, promotional materials and digital outreach.
The Sporting Clay Invitational is only one part of a broader calendar of signature programming designed to elevate the museum’s public profile and deepen community engagement.
On Thursday, March 5, the Battleship New Jersey will host its fifth annual Admiral Halsey Awards, an evening dedicated to recognizing outstanding leadership, public service and civic impact inspired by the legacy of Fleet Admiral William “Bull” Halsey. This year’s honorees reflect a wide range of public and private leadership across the Delaware River region.
The 2026 Admiral Halsey Award recipients include Dana Redd, President and Chief Executive Officer of Camden Community Partnership; Greg Carlisle, President of TD Bank Commercial Market for South and Coastal New Jersey; Captain Kent “Brewski” Smith, Commanding Officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle; and Commander Steven A. Halle, United States Navy (Retired), Plankowner Commanding Officer of the future USS New Jersey submarine.
The gala will feature a full dinner, open bar, live entertainment, and both live and online auctions, all in support of the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial. Corporate and individual sponsorships continue to play a vital role in sustaining the ship’s preservation and education mission.
A special public service award presentation during the evening will honor Dana Redd for her work advancing community development, innovation and regional quality of life through her leadership in Camden and the surrounding communities. Guests will gather at Adventure Aquarium overlooking the Delaware River for the celebration, with longtime Philadelphia broadcast journalist Karen Rogers serving as master of ceremonies.
Beyond its major fundraising events, Battleship New Jersey is expanding its cultural and public programming throughout the year, reinforcing its role as one of South Jersey’s most distinctive destinations for immersive learning and shared heritage. Visitors can now book overnight experiences aboard the ship for scout troops, youth groups and families, including guided tours, evening programming, meals, and the rare opportunity to sleep in the same bunks once used by the ship’s crew. An adults-only overnight program is also scheduled for April 4, offering a more intimate after-hours experience for history enthusiasts.
The museum’s growing lineup of specialty tours continues to attract new audiences as well. Guests can explore the massive five-story gun structure during the Guided Turret II Tour, step deep into the armored citadel on the Guided Engine Room Tour, or join the adults-only Twilight Tour, which highlights rarely seen spaces and sailor-created artwork while offering beer and wine following the tour. A dedicated Small Sailors Tour introduces younger visitors to the mechanics and history of battleship operations in an interactive, family-friendly format.
The museum has also expanded its storytelling reach through its in-house audio series, WETSU: A Battleship New Jersey Podcast. Hosted by museum president and chief executive officer Marshall Spevak, the podcast brings listeners inside the ship’s legacy through interviews with veterans, historians and national leaders connected to naval service. A recent episode features a wide-ranging conversation with retired Rear Admiral Mark “Buz” Buzby, an Atlantic City native whose career included commanding at sea and leading both Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Maritime Administration. The episode explores the often overlooked logistics and replenishment missions that keep the modern Navy operational worldwide.
Collectively, these programs highlight how Battleship New Jersey continues to evolve from a preserved artifact into a living cultural institution—one that blends hands-on education, large-scale community events and original storytelling.
For readers interested in how heritage sites, museums and creative organizations across the state are shaping New Jersey’s public life, Explore New Jersey’s ongoing coverage of arts and culture offers a broader look at how history, creativity and civic engagement intersect throughout the region.
With limited spots available for the Sporting Clay Invitational and strong early interest in the Admiral Halsey Awards, museum officials encourage supporters to reserve their places early and take part in a season that promises to combine competition, recognition and storytelling—all aboard one of the most storied ships in American history.
