Saturday, March 8, 2025
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • The Mariners’ Museum and Park
Free for Members • Included in $1 Admission
Spend a historic day with us as we partner with the NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary to commemorate the Battle of Hampton Roads and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Monitor’s designation as the nation’s first national marine sanctuary.
Meet our Mariners’ Team and NOAA representatives, learn more about the pivotal battle, hear inspiring stories of Monitor and its crew, and enjoy interactive activities filled with history, science, technology, and maritime career exploration!
💣 Exciting experiences:
- USS Monitor’s turret tank is drained for a limited time only! See the turret up close before it goes back underwater during our Wet Lab Open House.
- Dive into a curated STEM design challenge to uncover the critical role of the rotating turret.
- Choose your own maritime career adventure! Dreaming of becoming a chef? Fascinated by the world of engineering? Discover how your strengths and passions can lead you to a rewarding career in the maritime field.
- Connect with seasoned maritime professionals and gain key insights into their career journeys.
- Explore the galleries and meet our Mariners’ Team as they interpret artifacts throughout the Museum.
⚓ Attend a Lecture:
Battle of Hampton Roads
Presenter: John V. Quarstein
Director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center
IN PERSON • Explorers Theater
Time: 12 p.m.
The Battle of Hampton Roads was the first engagement between ironclad warships. On the battle’s second day, March 9, 1862, the armorclads CSS Virginia and USS Monitor fought over control of the harbor. While neither side could claim victory, this clash proved the power of iron over wood and forever revolutionized naval warfare.
Registration information:
Location: Explorers Theater
Seating is limited. Advance registration is required.
In person
Free for Museum Members.
Included in $1 admission.
Virtual
This lecture is livestreamed
and free to watch online.
