The Brooklyn Naval Lyceum was founded in 1824 to promote education and professional development for members of the US Navy and others. It established a library and collections of artifacts, including military items, scientific specimens, and cultural artifacts from around the world. The Lyceum aimed to encourage discussion of naval topics and advance its members' scientific and professional skills outside of political debates. It operated for decades but its building and collections were dispersed as the Brooklyn Navy Yard declined in the late 19th century.