This is a really unique piece of WWII history that most people probably wouldn't notice. We were told there are only 2 like this in the US that the public can tour. The volunteers at Ft McHenry (across the harbor) pointed it out to us the day before we went. Definitely plug the address into your GPS and check the hours online before venturing that way. It's in an industrial area on the waterfront beside a cement company. Parking is free but you have to stop at the gate first and let them know you're going on a tour. You'll take a narrow gangway with steps up to the main deck and walk inside to sign in as a guest. There's a suggested donation of $10/adult, and kids are free. When it's not crowded, they allow you to walk around the ship on your own and provide you with a map. We were lucky to meet some volunteers that helped guide us, though, and one even showed our daughter the big guns (non-working but neat) on each side of the top deck. She loved it! This is the perfect place to go if you love history, touring ships, on a school field trip, or for a unique date. Twice a year they also have a "living history trip" that takes guests on a 6 hour cruise over the Chesapeake Bay. Hoping we can go back for it!

What a cool example of living history. The ships were built during World War 2 and recommended during Vietnam. This is the last working Liberty ship.

This is my 2nd adventure on this ship. They provided our breakfast and lunch, live entertainment and it's history. Check out Gunner Donna.... LOL

The most amazing piece of history I've been on. It is a living history museum, meaning that it is an actively sailing ship. We stopped by unexpectedly while the crew was gearing up for a cruise. They had an engineer take us through the entire engine room, had their Gunner testing guns and showed us the Navy quarters, had the radio operators using the am directional finder, showed us the holds, and everything on board was shown to us. the john w Brown is one of two remaining liberty ships out of 2700. Please go an see this piece of history

This ship is amazing! WWII Liberty Ship built in Baltimore. Three museums on board. Really nice gift shop with gifts for all age groups from children to adults. Great tour given by one of the volunteers. Highly recommend visiting this ship.

There is a lot of focus on WW2 warships, but merchant ships were essential to victory. Liberty ships helped to build Allied transportation capacity (making things like D-Day, the 8th Air Force, and Okinawa invasion possible) and replacing capacity sunk by Axis aircraft, submarines, and mines. There are 3 of the 2710 of these ships built in WW2 remaining. The John W Brown is an outstanding example, and periodically goes for cruises (the public can buy tickets). If you have questions, many of the volunteers on board will show you in depth the systems that made these ships work.

Great experience going out into the bay on the John Brown, great entertainment out to sea and very well kept, volunteers are very nice and you can even steer the ship if you are lucky.

We had a FANTASTIC visit to this ship (and I confess I wasn't very interested in going originally). The ship itself is a very important part of our history. The folks who are volunteering on it are remarkable examples of dedication to the cause. They were the best part of our visit. I'm so glad I got to meet these folks and hear their stories of the ship and of their efforts to tell her story.

A great piece of history. Cruise was excellent and well run by a dedicated volunteer staff.

This is a real rare piece of history. During WWII there were thousands of liberty ships. Now this is one of 2 remaining liberty ships in the world. The ship is still sea worthy and goes on ~4 cruises a year. Inside is now a museum dedicated to the history of liberty ships and the people who served on them during WWII. It is entirely run by volunteers and donations. If you get a chance, it is definitely worth taking one of the cruises, as they provide breakfast and lunch, as well as live entertainment during the cruise. Weather permitting, The highlight of the cruise is an airshow battle over the ship on the Chesapeake bay.

A beautiful piece of history, and a must-see in Baltimore! Liberty ships are some of the most important and rarest of WWII ships, with only two remaining. The whole ship is fully-restored and operational, and the tour allows you to go almost anywhere on the ship - to the engine room, the cargo hold, the quarters, the guns, etc. There are a number of unique exhibits inside as well. The volunteers are all excellent folks, friendly, knowledgable, and helpful, and all have extensive technical experience operating this ship. A few things to know before going: - The ship is open on Wednesday/Saturday because that's when the volunteers are working on the ship. They will be actively working when you arrive, and one of them will stop to give the tour. - Access to the ship is restricted, so I highly recommend calling/emailing ahead or purchasing tickets online. There is no ticket booth, so you need a crew member to open the gang plank for you! Parking is free right by the ship, though. - The ship is berthed right near active port facilities for intermodal and coal transload. You will need to drive through/by them to get there. It's not a problem, but might seem a bit weird at first. Don't worry; you're allowed to be there! It was a great prank on my Uber driver though... - The ship may be going to dry dock for extended maintenance some time in later 2024. Go now while you can!

Volunteers were great. We toured all the way down to the engine room & cargo holds. Well worth checking out

Highly recommended for history or WWII buff. Great staff and stories. One of only 2 in opeartion (only one on east coast).

Excellent Tour. A Stern to Bow tour with little left out. It's a working ship, so prepare for ladders (steep ship's stairs), mooring lines, and possibly slick decks in the engine room. Our group met the Captain who clarified some questions and was a grand host.

SS John W. Brown is an operating WWII Liberty ship that is normally docked at Canton/Dundalk. It honors the Builders, Armed Guard and Merchant Mariners. It has an all-volunteer crew offering tours of the ship and museum spaces as well as special events like Living History Cruises and Steam School. I recommend getting a ticket on the web site.

A large part of Word War II history

Went for a company Holiday party. It's way bigger once you're on board. A really nice piece of Maryland and American history

Amazing ship and volunteer crew