CSS Atlanta was an ironclad transformation effort which used the iron-hull and Scottish-built engines of SS Fingal to fashion one of the Confederacy’s most powerful warships. The ironclad; however, had a deep draft which limited its operational area below Savannah

USO clubs helped soldiers feel at home and gave them the opportunity to step away from the job and the realities of war. They provided leisure, like dances, ping pong tables, and other games; entertainment, sometimes local bands or even Hollywood celebrities would make an appearance (!); and they often had a snack bar, too, selling sandwiches, smokes and soda (but not liquor!) to service people.

In early 2019, an East Carolina University student, Jacquelyn Hewett, studied one of the figureheads in our Collection for her American Maritime Material Culture history class. The information she uncovered was enlightening and indicated that a change in the attribution of ship name was in order. While confirming her research, I uncovered the story of a wonderfully awesome woman I thought I would share with you!

Able, courageous, and experienced, Franklin Buchanan was perhaps the most aggressive senior officer to join the Confederate Navy. His strategic flair, discipline, and heroic qualities made him respected and admired by all those around him. After being put in command of CSS Virginia, Buchanan led efforts that resulted in the Confederacy’s greatest naval victory before being appointed as the first Admiral in the Confederate Navy and selected to command the naval defenses in Mobile Bay, Alabama. As Admiral, he oversaw the construction of multiple ironclads and was on board CSS Tennesee during its battle against David Glasgow Farragut’s Union Fleet in 1864.

Local 9th-grade students lead restoration projects on Mariners’ Lake, helping to improve its health and preserve it for future generations.

Participate in the City Nature Challenge and help us identify wildlife and plants who call Mariners' Park home!

The Museum holds a wonderful collection of materials once used by the world famous Norfolk tattooist August Bernard Coleman, known as Cap Coleman. What was the motivation for acquiring this collection?

The Confederate ironclad that fought in Hampton Roads on March 8-9, 1862 had a mixed armament of shell guns, rifled guns, hot shot guns, howitzers, and a ram. This ship was designed to destroy Union wooden warships using these weapons, and successfully did so on March 8. Confederate Secretary of the Navy Stephen Russell Mallory and Naval Scientist Lieutenant John Mercer Brooke were two of the masterminds behind the outfitting of the well-equipped ironclad.