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  • Guns of USS Monitor

    • Civil War
    • Military
    • Military Conflict
    • USS Monitor

    After a gun demonstration at a swanky event turned deadly, the US Navy had no interest in revisiting the production of large shell guns. But when John A.B. Dahlgren, known as the “Father of Naval Ordinance,” developed a new style of naval shell gun known as the Dahlgren gun, these weapons would eventually be mounted onto Monitor and taken into battle against CSS Virginia.

  • Celebrating Life’s Big Moments at The Mariners’

    • Events
    • Military

    We love hosting events at The Mariners’ because sharing our resources with the community allows us to build strong, lasting bonds. We recently hosted a Military Retirement Ceremony that was an incredible reflection on a life of honorable service.

  • GUNS OF CSS VIRGINIA

    • Civil War
    • Military
    • Military Conflict
    • USS Monitor

    The Confederate ironclad that fought in Hampton Roads on March 8-9, 1862 had a mixed armament of shell guns, rifled guns, hot shot guns, howitzers, and a ram. This ship was designed to destroy Union wooden warships using these weapons, and successfully did so on March 8. Confederate Secretary of the Navy Stephen Russell Mallory and Naval Scientist Lieutenant John Mercer Brooke were two of the masterminds behind the outfitting of the well-equipped ironclad. 

  • Commander Catesby ap Roger Jones

    • Civil War
    • Military
    • USS Monitor

    Catesby ap Roger Jones was one of the Civil War’s most distinguished and respected ordnance officers. He joined the US Navy in 1836 and served aboard USS Merrimack during its first cruise, joined the Confederate Navy when Virginia left the Union, and commanded CSS Virginia during that ironclad’s fight with USS Monitor. After serving as Virginia’s executive officer through the Battle of Drewry’s Bluff, he was promoted to commander and would eventually be placed in command of the Selma Guns Works, producing much-needed Brooke rifles and shell guns for the Confederate Navy.

  • “Mortals cannot command success”: Nelson’s Disastrous Attack on Santa Cruz de Tenerife

    • Collections
    • history

    The Mariners’ Museum is home to a duo of watercolors documenting events occurring during the July 1797 attack on Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The artist, Captain William Henry Webley, participated in the action, making his paintings the only eyewitness views of the event known to exist. The attack was led by one of the most renowned naval leaders, Britain’s Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson — and it was an utter failure. On the 226th anniversary of the attack, we piece together the artwork and letters from Webley and Lieutenant William Hoste to get a better idea of what happened during the catastrophic raid.

  • 6 Things to Do With Kids This Summer at The Mariners’

    • Around The Mariners'

     

    Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? From outdoor adventures to indoor discoveries, having a plan to keep the little ones entertained is key to battling boredom and enhancing your time together as a family. Blending learning and play, museums and outdoor spaces are ideal for keeping young minds sharp while engaging in fun activities. Check out six things you can do at The Mariners’ with your kids to get the most out of your visit!

  • Pumped Up About Metals Conservation

    • Civil War
    • Collections
    • Conservation
    • Science
    • USS Monitor

    Meet Amelia Hammond, The Mariners' 2024 summer conservation intern. In this blog, she discusses the Worthington pump’s water end - a key artifact from USS Monitor - and her planned conservation work on this object. 

  • CSI: Mariners’ Edition (Curatorial Scene Investigation)

    • Art
    • Collections
    • Cultural Heritage
    • history

    Paintings can offer a unique glimpse into history - but what happens when the artwork’s identifying elements are unclear? Solving these mysteries often takes extensive detective work, as with a painting of a 17th-century family that has confounded curators for 90 years! Has one of our curators finally cracked the case?

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