U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Kenneth G. Takada A little girl, who participated in the NHHC ‘American Girl Day’ at the U.S. Navy Museum, is being interviewed by the Defense Media Activity on Saturday, June 27. The program was introduced to encourage young children to study naval history and technology and to get acquainted with and to have fun at the Navy Museum.

The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) sponsored the program to encourage children to study naval history and technology, and to get acquainted with and have fun at the Navy Museum - the flagship museum of the U.S. Navy – one of 12 official Navy museums.

Molly McIntire, an American Girl doll of the World War II era, was the featured doll for the event. A Molly McIntire doll was donated for the event and the Naval Historical Foundation purchased additional dolls that were given away during a free raffle.

‘‘With her English friend, Emily, at her side, Molly learns the importance of pulling together—just as her country must do to win the war,” according to the American Girl company’s web site.

Karin Hill, director of education for the museum and one of three educational specialists at the museum who developed the event, said, ‘‘the Navy Museum’s connection with the American Girl phenomenon was a natural because the dolls and books chronicle the history of the United States from the American Revolution to present-day conflicts, as does the Navy Museum.”

The Director of NHHC, retired Rear Adm. Jay A. DeLoach, welcomed the large crowd to the museum and helped hand each of the participants a bag of crafting materials to support their experience.

‘‘The American Girl fans became part of the hundreds of thousands of visitors who visit the museum each year. They got to see how naval history comes alive through the display of naval artifacts, models, documents and fine art,” according to Laura Hockensmith, deputy director of education at the museum, and another of the event’s developers.

Rear Adm. Cindy Covell, the Chief of Naval Operation’s assistant for diversity joined Vice Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., director of the Navy staff and his daughters, who are admitted American Girl fans, at the event.

The museum’s many interactive exhibits gave the children and their parents an opportunity to learn about the Navy's heroes, battles and peacetime contributions in exploration, diplomacy, navigation and humanitarian service. An opportunity to handle tools, equipment and the personal effects associated with those who have actually lived the Navy life, added to the experience, Kim Nielsen, director of the museum stated. Open to the public seven days per week, including most holidays, and free of charge, NHHC welcomes visitors from around the country and around the world, he added.

The popularity of the American Girl event exceeded the museum’s initial expectations. Tripp agreed to continue signing books for a total of five hours, though originally scheduled to remain for two, giving more fans an opportunity to meet her.

‘‘We are delighted that so many people were exposed to naval history, enjoyed the event and their visit to the Washington Navy Yard. We hope they will return one day to tour the Display Ship (DS) Barry and in the future, the Cold War museum - when it opens, we welcome them.” Capt. John Sears, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity Washington said.