Conservation

For more than a century, the Monitor's resting place in the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" remained a mystery despite numerous searches. Discovered in 1973, the wrecksite became the first National Marine Sanctuary in 1975 under the auspices of NOAA. Today, conserving the recovered iron artifacts is a race against time. Each item presents a different challenge to conservators as they seek to reverse the damage done by nearly 140 years of immersion in saltwater.

Live Conservation Web Cams!

Museum visitors can stand just feet away from the ironclad’s unique screw propeller, anchor, and hundreds of other unique artifacts. Monitor's revolving gun turret, steam engine, Dahlgren guns and carriages are also visible froma viewing platform adjacent to the Batten Conservation Laboratory Complex. Can't make it to the Museum? Bookmark our Conservation Web Cams and watch the conservation from a distance. Learn more.

Read more about the ongoing conservation efforts for the USS Monitor here.

A Race To Save History

Expeditions to the Monitor have yielded an amazing variety of artifacts. In 2002 alone, The Mariners' Museum processed more than 800 artifacts to be conserved and prepared for exhibition at The Monitor Center. Learn more.

We're in a race to conserve history! Follow along as artifacts are uncovered and more facts are learned about the Monitor and the men who served aboard!

View the Blog

From the heart breaking accounts of life aboard the ironclads to thrilling descriptions of the battles recounted by those who witnessed them you're sure to learn something new!