Irena Pastorello/The Middletown Press
Bernard Bastura (left) reacts with surprise as Ross Dent of the Connecticut Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War shows him a brochure of his Submarine Museum and Library Wednesday morning.

MIDDLETOWN -- Bernard Bastura, who has been collecting donations of memorabilia for his Submarine Library and Museum for nearly half a century, has been lauded by the state legislature and fellow museum curators for his efforts in protecting a portion of military history.

Bastura, who runs the museum out of his 440 Washington St. home, was honored Wednesday by State Sen. Billy Ciotto and state representatives Joe Serra and Claire Janowski with a state General Assembly citation. He was also awarded the American Heritage Award by the Connecticut Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Surrounded by wooden plaques from various submarines and display cases filled with such items as buoy markers, depth gauges and battle lanterns, Bastura said he was overwhelmed by the honor. As he was receiving the honor, Bastura continued to repeat "Oh my God" and "Good Lord."

"It's one of the best kept secrets in Middletown and Connecticut," Serra said.

Authors come to do research at Bastura's museum and library, he added."You have a gem here on Washington Street," Ciotto said about the museum. Bastura established the library and museum in 1954 -- the same year the Nautilus, the first nuclear submarine -- was launched.

On the legislative citation it states "the hard work in preserving American history through the preservation of the finest collection of naval submarine memorabilia is greatly appreciated."

"Connecticut is fortunate to have this wonderful collection for all our residents to enjoy," the official citation reads."

This is too good of a treasure to keep hidden away," said Ross Dent, senior vice commander of the Sons of Union Veterans. Dent is also a curator at the Rockville Civil War Museum and Library.

"I'm doing this on my own in my retirement," Bastura said.

(Address & phone number deleted due to Ben's passing)

To contact Amy L. Zitka, call (860) 347-3331 ext. 211 or e-mail azitka@middletownpress.com