Battle of Hampton Roads Day and History Bites at Mariners’ Museum
Battle of Hampton Roads Day
Saturday, March 7, 2020 • 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
All activities FREE with $1 admission
Join us as we commemorate the Battle of Hampton Roads!
This famous Civil War Battle changed modern naval history forever. When the Union ironclad USS Monitor fought the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia to a draw, it proved the supremacy of iron over wood. In honor of the battle’s 157th anniversary, the Museum will host a day-long event filled with family-friendly programming and activities!
All day-time activities are FREE with $1 admission
In honor of the battle’s 158th anniversary, the Museum will host a day-long event filled with family-friendly programming and activities, such as:
- Costumed Historical Interpreters, featuring the Tidewater Maritime Living History Association
- In-gallery storytelling and interpretation in the USS Monitor Center
- Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, among other costumed interpreters
- A book signing with renowned historian and author John V. Quarstein
- Lectures on the historic battle and the conservation efforts of USS Monitor
- Music of the time period
- A BattleQuest Scavenger Hunt
- And, more!
More info here
Time: 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Presented by John V. Quarstein, Director Emeritus, USS Monitor Center
Civil War lectures are free with Museum admission, but reserving a seat is suggested as seating is limited. Reserve seats below.
The Battle of Sinope on November 30, 1853, ended the era of wooden ships. The Russian fleet, armed with shell guns, was able to completely destroy a Turkish fleet. Wooden walls simply could not withstand the devastating effect of explosive shells. Accordingly, during the Crimean War, the English and the French developed iron-cased floating batteries to destroy Russian fixed fortifications, but these vessels were slow and unseaworthy. Consequently, the French built the frigate La Gloire, using iron-hulled fabrication; and the British constructed two iron frigates: HMS Warrior and HMS Black Prince.
The Europeans watched as the American Civil War tested and influenced ship design that featured turrets, sloped armor, shell and rifled guns, and rams. These concepts were tested during the Austro-Hungarian fleet’s victory over the Italian navy during the June 20, 1866 Battle of Lissa. Every major European power created an ironclad navy containing various designs, including turrets and broadside battleships. By 1870, steam became the primary motive power as ironclad warships became larger and more heavily armed. The British laid down the last true ironclad in 1870 as nations then looked to construct steel warships with heavily gunned turrets. The continuous development of hull designs and armaments proved that changing technology now ruled the waves.
The lecture will be held in the Huntington Room. Please confirm upon check in at Visitor Services the classroom and location of the lecture.
History Bites
Time: 6:30 PM
$30/Museum Members; $40/General admission
The momentous day will end with the fan-favorite History Bites!
A food-tasting event of HISTORIC proportions! Top caterers and restaurants prepare their best interpretations of 19th-century dishes at this fan-favorite event.
Guests can sip and savor while mingling with others—including Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass—and vote for their favorite entrees, sides and desserts.
Dozens of delicious dishes will be enjoyed throughout the evening as cooks also compete for the coveted Cast-Iron Skillet Awards, including People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice.
Tickets include unlimited food tastings and one beverage ticket.
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