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Historic Hampton Roads; Norfolk, Virginia
By carlvaleri | May 9, 2010
It was a wonderful cloudless day as I strolled along the wooden docks in Norfolk, Virginia. Numerous benches overlook the deep blue waters of Hampton Roads. I couldn’t help but relax while watching red tug boats slowly guide large vessels into the shipyard.
My gaze changed to a blurry vision of old wooden ships traversing these waters. I envisioned the the new white naval fleet proudly displayed at the1907 World’s Fair. Fortunately, my vision of this historic event became reality since Norfolk has a museum which allows visitors to experience the storied past of Hampton Roads.
Nautical science and technology center
Nauticus is a hands on science and technology center for exploring the natural, industrial, and naval history of Hampton Roads and the underwater sea. Three distinct attractions are combined in one location. The USS Wisconsin, Hampton Roads Naval History Museum, and Nauticus.
The Nauticus museum is accessed by boarding an escalator and slowly traveling up to the main exhibit hall. During the ascent towards the museum the escalator passes many video screens depicting the wonders of the sea.
The first exhibit I enter is “Marking Time: Voyage To Vietnam”. The tribute to our soldiers displays many creative drawings and literary pieces produced using there bunks as a canvas. Although against regulation to mark their bunks the soldiers where defiant and drew on them anyway. They had no fear of retribution since they would be sent to military prison, which was not a bad option for those about to enter the battlefield.
The first permanent exhibit is the 1907 Jamestown exposition where the Steel Navy was introduced to the public. The collection of ships was aptly named the “Great White Fleet” because of the white paint adorning the sides of the naval fleet.
Wandering through the museum you will learn the history and mission of the NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. You can even explore the ocean and touch the controls of and undersea exploration vehicle.
Hampton Roads Naval History Museum
Operated by the US Navy and free to the public, The Hampton Roads Naval History Museum is a comprehensive representation of Naval History. From the settlement and birth of our nation through civil and foreign wars, you will journey through time and view artifacts from actual battles throughout the history of the US Navy.
In the Civil War section you will find yourself standing inside a steel gun turret imagining cannon balls impacting the hull of the Monitor in the famous battle between the first two steel naval ships. Although the battle was considered a draw, this was a decisive moment in the development of naval warfare and steel ships.
As I continue on I learn of the modern ships and why the Navy has become integral in the defense of the United States and the world. The end of the exhibit appropriately opens towards one of the most powerful Navy ships, the USS Wisconsin.
USS Wisconsin
Designed In part by Thomas Edison’s Son, Charles, the USS Wisconsin is a massive battleship and veteran of many wars. Before entering the grand ship an exhibit explains the design, history, and service of this World War II commissioned ship.
Glass doors open to a wide gangway crossing the water onto the main deck of the USS Wisconsin. As I cross and ask for permission to come aboard I am immediately in awe of the enormous ship and the docents with personalities as large as this wonderful vessel. As I surveyed the ship I must have said “wow!” a dozen times.
One of the docents notice my awestruck look, walked up to me and began telling stories about the USS Wisconsin. The docents have an extensive knowledge of the ship because many actually served aboard her. I could have sat for hours as they related stories about the their sea going voyages.
Wandering around the many levels and teak main deck you I couldn’t help but wonder how much work it must have been to maintain the ship in such great condition. Although the main deck is wheelchair accessible, it is necessary to climb steep stairs to view the upper decks.
Experience Naval History
I spent 5 hours wandering through the exhibits at the Nauticus, viewing an extensive history of the US Navy, climbing around the massive USS Wisconsin, and listening the the many stories told by docents on the ship. All the exhibits can be seen in 2 to 3 hours or it can take most of the day if you stop to read and view in detail every exhibit.
For children, and big kids like me, there are many hands on exhibits. Your children can try and land a F18 hornet, track ships with sonar, and touch actual sea animals. With something that will interest visitors of all ages, I think the you will have a great time while learning about the Navy and the sea.
The Nauticus is a great museum because it is fun, entertaining, and educational. I guarantee you will learn something new and will walk away wanting to learn more about the Navy and the ocean they traverse.
For More Information:
Navy History and Heritage Command
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Topics: Military Museum, Museum, Norfolk, Virginia | No Comments »