Dive into history as we partner with the NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary to commemorate the Battle of Hampton Roads. Meet our Mariners’ Team and NOAA representatives during this action-packed day of engaging, educational, and family-friendly programming highlighting naval history, innovation, and STEM learning.

Exciting experiences:

• Experience cutting-edge 3D data: Witness the first public unveiling of high-resolution sonar imagery of the Monitor shipwreck, three-dimensional digital reconstructions of USS Monitor from 1862 — and what it looks like today as marine habitat. This new data will transform how we visualize, study, and protect America’s famous shipwreck.
• Become an underwater robot! Use sonar and mapping technology to reach USS Monitor in an exciting life-size floor game game
• Solve an engineering puzzle: match pattern blocks to build USS Monitor, its iconic turret, and its cannons in this activity crafted for early childhood learners
• Dive into virtual reality: Go for a virtual swim through the shipwreck with a Monitor 360 headset
• Explore the galleries: Meet our Mariners’ Team as they share the powerful stories behind the Museum’s priceless artifacts.
• Pilot an undersea explorer: Test your skills as a deep-sea pilot by taking the controls of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).
• Embark on a scavenger hunt: Complete a special Monitor-themed scavenger hunt and win a special prize when you’ve conquered it!
• Tour the Wet Lab (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.): Walk through our state-of-the-art Wet Lab to see where Monitor’s iconic gun turret and other recovered artifacts are currently undergoing conservation. (Must sign a waiver in the Museum lobby; ages 10+ only)

Exploring Monitor with 21st-Century Technology

Presented by NOAA and Northrop Grumman
In Person • Explorers Theater
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

About the presentation:
Join NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and partner Northrop Grumman as they share never-before-seen sonar images of the USS Monitor shipwreck and brand new virtual models of Monitor from 1862 and how it looks today on the seafloor. As part of its Technology for Conservation (T4C) initiative, Northrop Grumman deployed an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with a micro synthetic aperture sonar (µSAS), a system capable of producing detailed images even in low-visibility conditions. The survey captured views of the Monitor wreck and surrounding debris field, and high-resolution detail of components of the hull remains and internal structure. The fine-scale sonar scans, the first produced of Monitor, will be used to help the public explore, understand, and protect this historic site. As the sanctuary marks its 50th anniversary, this collaboration with Northrop Grumman honors the ironclad’s legacy by returning to the wreck with 21st-century tools.

Rear Admiral John Lorimer Worden

Presented by John V. Quarstein and Robert Worden
In Person • Explorers Theater
Time: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

About the presentation:
John Worden gained instant fame when he commanded USS Monitor during the Battle of Hampton Roads. Nevertheless, he achieved many other notable accomplishments throughout his career, including commanding USS Montauk, serving as superintendent of the US Naval Academy, and commanding the European Squadron. Admiral Worden’s life and leadership emphasize his strategic insights, innovative spirit, and dedication to service.