March 7 & 8 2015

Weekend commemorates 153 years since Battle of the Ironclads

On March 8, 1862, the CSS Virginia entered the waters of Hampton Roads and destroyed the USS Cumberland and the USS Congress in a battle that showed the supremacy of iron over wood. The following day the Union ironclad Monitor met the Virginia in a battle, which, though fought to a draw, changed the very nature of naval warfare not only in America, but worldwide. One hundred and fifty-three years later, on March 7 & 8, 2015, The Mariners’ Museum will commemorate the two-day Battle of Hampton Roads with a weekend of family fun.

On Saturday & Sunday, with Museum admission, visitors can:

• Experience Living History encampments and demonstrations
• Engage in educational lectures from historians and experts in the field
• Enjoy family programs and games, including Ironclad BattleQuest, a fun, interactive family adventure game
• Meet Abraham Lincoln
• New This Year! Historic iron-casting and iron-working demonstrations

Again this year, visitors can go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the USS Monitor Center Wet Lab at a special discounted rate of $10/person in addition to Museum admission. Guided tours will be offered in half-hour increments throughout the weekend with a limit of 15 people per tour. Tickets can be purchased at the admissions desk during the weekend.

Activities will run Saturday: 9 – 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 – 4 p.m.

Visit BattleOfHamptonRoads.com for a complete schedule of events!