The U.S. Navy takeover of the museum building for the duration of World War II resulted in damage to the collections, exhibits, and the building itself. The main library and its librarian were moved to San Diego State College; the rest of the treasured and fragile exhibits were hastily packed, crated and moved into a total of 32 separate places.
The U.S. Navy's occupation of the museum building during World War II caused harm to the collections, exhibits, and the structure itself. The main library and its librarian were relocated to San Diego State College; the remaining valuable and delicate items were hastily packed, boxed, and dispersed across 32 different locations.