The Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend is back at The Mariners’ Museum and Park on March 4-6, with interactive activities all weekend long. The weekend attracts thousands of visitors each year.
The weekend commemorates one of the most famous Civil War battles in history. On March 9, 1862, the Union ironclad Monitor met the CSS Virginia in a battle that, though fought to a draw, changed the very nature of naval warfare not only in America, but worldwide. Today, 154 years later, Museum visitors can remember the battle with Living History encampments and demonstrations, family programming and games including Ironclad BattleQuest, lectures from nationally recognized speakers and much more. Most weekend activities are FREE for Members or with Museum admission.
President Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by acclaimed interpreter George Buss, will be on hand to interact with visitors in the galleries, and will be presented with a visitor and interpreter-made United States Flag on Sunday. A variety of engaging lectures will be offered throughout the weekend. On Saturday morning, award winning Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer will present “The Civil War in 25 Objects” about the objects we inherited from the 1860s and their deep meanings. On Sunday afternoon, noted historian and author John V. Quarstein will deliver “Old Point Comfort Resort,” exploring the unique history of the Hygeia Hotel built by Harrison Phoebus and how the tourism industry boomed in Fort Monroe in the 19th century.
For $10/person, visitors can go on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the USS Monitor Center Wet Lab, which is part of the world’s largest marine archaeological metals conservations facility. Conservation professionals responsible for treating Monitor’s turret, engine and other artifacts will lead each tour. Get an intimate look at some of the ship’s amazing artifacts.
Back for a second year is the traditional iron pour held in the Museum’s main parking lot. Iron-casting experts will demonstrate traditional methods of mold making, iron pouring and foundry work using a portable blast furnace, using the same techniques used to build the USS Monitor. There will be historic sand-molding demonstrations and live iron casting throughout the day on Saturday. On Friday, March 4, guests can attend Sip and Sculpt, where they can carve designs into premade sand molds while enjoying their favorite libations. The molds will then be used to turn the design into a work of iron-cast art during Saturday’s iron pour demonstrations. Tickets are $35 for Members and $50 for non-members and include one scratch block, two drink tickets and light hors d’oeuvres. Advanced registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Also back for its second year is the Civil War Beard Competition, celebrating the iconic styles of Civil War-era facial hair. Participants will compete in categories featuring Monitor crew members. Entry is free with Museum admission. The competition will take place on Saturday, March 5 at 2:30 p.m.
History Bites, Hampton Roads’ most popular food-tasting competition, returns this year on Saturday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. Top restaurants and caterers in Hampton Roads will prepare their best interpretations of a selection of traditional 19th century dishes representing the North, the South and the Navy. Will last year’s winner, The Chamberlin, be able to hold onto its three 1st place titles? You’ll have to come and find out! Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door, and include unlimited food tastings and one drink ticket.
The weekend will close with the unveiling of a fully functioning replica of USS Monitor’s Worthington steam pump on Sunday, March 6, at 1:30 p.m. in the Main Lobby. Guests can witness the pump come to life and hear what the ironclad’s engine room sounded like 154 years ago.
For more information on all the programs, lectures and activities during Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend, or to purchase tickets to Sip and Sculpt or History Bites, visit BattleOfHamptonRoads.com.
The Mariners’ Museum and Park connects people to the world’s waterways through exploration and engaging experiences. The organization is an educational, non-profit institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and preserves and interprets maritime history through an international collection of ship models, figureheads, paintings and other maritime artifacts.
The Mariners’ Museum has been designated by Congress as “America’s National Maritime Museum.” For hours and information, visit MarinersMuseum.org, call (757) 596-2222 or write to The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606.
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