Conservation of USS Monitor's Steam Engine Webcam Webcam

Beginning November 29, conservators at The Mariners’ Museum will begin deconcreting and disassembling components of USS Monitor’s 30-ton steam engine as part of an overall conservation plan. Conservators will be exposing the engine’s original iron and copper alloy surfaces for the first time since 1862! These activities are expected to last through December 17 and resume again in spring 2011.

Museum visitors will have an up-close view of these activities as they occur just a few feet away from the viewing platform. Conservators will also be posting regular updates and photographs on the conservation blog to keep people informed of their progress. Additionally, web visitors can watch the activities on a daily basis via a live webcam (below) positioned above the engine’s treatment tank in the Batten Conservation Complex.

Watch history unfold before your eyes!

USS Monitor’s Steam Engine

Conservators will begin working to remove concreted sediment from the surface of USS Monitor’s 30-ton steam engine November 29, 2010. The engine, designed by John Ericsson, is built from wrought iron, cast iron, copper alloy, rubber, glass, and other materials. After deconcretion, the engine will undergo electrolysis and disassembly in support of thorough treatment. These activities will occur for the next few weeks and will resume again in spring 2011. Watch Video

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!

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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!