In the International Small Craft Center at the Mariners’, there’s a Portuguese Moliceiro, or Kelp Boat. This boat was one of the first 5 in our collection, accessioned in 1934. This moliceiro had a life on the water, felt the sun’s rays and was used and loved by the kelp gatherers.

Experience the fear, the awe, and the excitement during this extraordinary time in our nation’s history.

William Henry Irby was born on November 6, 1819, in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, to Thomas W. Irby and Ona Oney E. Thurman. William was one of 11 children born to the couple. Raised on a farm, he married Phoebe Ellen Hubbard, the daughter of the Reverend Joel Hubbard, in 1858. They settled on a farm in Pittsylvania County.

At The Mariners', one of our top priorities is serving school-aged children. In response to demand, we’ve recently expanded our focus to include PreK students by creating a new Early Childhood Educator position and implementing several enrichment programs crafted to engage our youngest learners.

Multiculturalism incorporates ideas, beliefs, and people from many different countries and cultural backgrounds. This theme is built around our mission: we connect people to the world’s waters, because through our waters – through our shared maritime heritage – we are connected to one another.

The United States Coast Guard was born on August 4, 1790. Wait, what? Does that sentence seem to come out of nowhere? And what does this have to do with Alexander Hamilton? I’m glad you asked. Among Hamilton’s many feats, he is also recognized as the father of the US Coast Guard.

Have you been scouring the internet for family-friendly holiday events? Are you searching for meaningful ways to give back to your community? Did you run out of gift ideas for your loved ones? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, look no further — head to The Mariners’ this holiday season!