The Mariners’ Museum and Park, Newport News, will hold its annual commemoration of the legendary 1862 Battle of Hampton Roads from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
This year’s event is being held in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Monitor National Marine Sanctuary. Activities for the day will highlight the history, science and technology behind this pivotal naval engagement through activities appropriate for families, enthusiasts, and experts alike.
On Saturday, visitors will be greeted with activities throughout the museum, with particular focus on the USS Monitor Center and Batten Conservation Complex. A feature debuting this year is the first public viewing of Monitor’s skeg beam since its 1862 launch. Other activities include artifact interpretation throughout the galleries, a scavenger hunt designed for elementary-school-aged students, immersive science and code-breaking activities, interactive sessions with historian Dr. Jonathan White, a lecture with author and historian John V. Quarstein, an underwater ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) activity with NOAA, and more. A food truck will be stationed in front of the museum, as well as snacks and water available for purchase in the museum’s gift shop.
Quarstein will present a lecture on Commemoration Day about the famous ironclad clash. The lecture will take place both in person in the Explorers Theater at noon and virtually through a livestream. A book-signing with Quarstein will follow at 1.
This in-person lecture, along with all the activities on Commemoration Day, is included in $1 admission and free for Mariners’ Museum members. The livestreamed lecture is free to watch, and advance registration is required.
For more information about the Battle of Hampton Roads Commemoration, visit www.marinersmuseum.org/series/battle-of-hampton-roads.
The Mariners’ Museum, which is home to the USS Monitor Center, is surrounded by the 550-acre Mariners’ Park, the largest privately maintained park open to the public in North America. The museum is located at 100 Museum Drive, Newport News.