Last week we finished moving artifacts out of the Chesapeake Bay Gallery, which now looks very empty! Hampton Roads Crane and Rigging helped us move out the last two large objects, a Coast Guard buoy and an engine.

First to come out was our 7X15 lighted Coast Guard Buoy from 1952. As it stood in the gallery it almost touched the ceiling, so getting it out was rather interesting because there was not much space to work with. Luckily, the top comes off. It is now outside in front of our business entrance for everyone (including confused joggers) to enjoy.

The engine was even more difficult than the buoy, due to its weight, a massive 21,000 pounds!! It is a compound engine that came off Thomas Cunningham, Sr., a tug that was built in 1895 and remained in service until at least 2007. In 2011 she was renamed and sunk as a memorial reef. The engine was acquired in 1949 when the tug was converted to diesel power.

After the buoy and engine were moved, we managed to get out our stained glass piece (from the steamboat City of Norfolk). It’s beautiful but terrifying to move because of its age, although it seems to be rather sturdy. The absolute last thing to go was our saloon mirror from the Steamboat Virginia, which was built in 1902 in Richmond, Virginia.

Now that the gallery is clear, plans for the next exhibition are underway. It is called Fragile Waters and, as the website says, “features over 100 inspiring black-and-white photographs by three iconic photographers and environmentalists: Ansel Adams, Ernest H. Brooks II, and Dorothy Kerper Monnelly. These artists communicate the beauty and vitality of water, focusing on nature and engaging the viewer in affirming the intrinsic aesthetic, emotional and essential life value of water. Several Ansel Adams photographs will be on display for the first-time ever!” It is set to open June 1.

The museum is also hosting a community photography show where those who are interested can submit their photos. The due date for submission is May 10 and you can learn more about it and find an application HERE. Could be a great way to get your photography out there.