A look back at the 1783 eruption of the Lakagígar fissure and Grímsvötn volcano in Iceland and its effect on several European cities in the winter of 1783-1784 and the world’s climate.

Brigadier General Ambrose E. Burnside’s invasion of the North Carolina inland seas was a major success. In seven days, Burnside, with the support of Flag Officer L.M. Goldsborough’s naval forces, had captured Currituck, Albemarle, Roanoke, and Croatan Sounds. This placed Burnside’s army in a position to capture his next objective, New Bern, North Carolina.

Our Speakers Bureau is composed of staff and experienced volunteers who bring vastness, importance, and energy of maritime topics and initiatives to various groups in the Hampton Roads area. 

Matthew Calbraith Perry guided the US Navy’s transition from sail to steam and shot to shell. It was he who recognized how these new tools would ensure the Navy’s ability to project American trade and power throughout the world.

In this special, in-depth edition of Beyond the Frame, we explore the world of oysters - past and present. Two 1907 paintings by Clifford Warren Ashley highlight oyster dredging and replanting from the skipjack Mattie Flavell as it was done over 115 years ago. While exploring these works, the author, Kyra Duffley, worked with both oyster farmers and restoration specialists in  our world today to show the full-circle story of oystering. Read the full blog to learn about the mariners who come together in the name of the oyster.

Major General George B. McClellan recognized the need for combined operations to overwhelm the Confederate war effort. With more than 3,000 miles of coastline to defend, the Southerners were often unable to protect their coastal territory effectively. The captures of Hatteras Inlet and Port Royal Sound were decisive actions that furthered General Winfield Scott’s Anaconda Plan

Able, courageous, and experienced, Franklin Buchanan was perhaps the most aggressive senior officer to join the Confederate Navy. His strategic flair, discipline, and heroic qualities made him respected and admired by all those around him. After being put in command of CSS Virginia, Buchanan led efforts that resulted in the Confederacy’s greatest naval victory before being appointed as the first Admiral in the Confederate Navy and selected to command the naval defenses in Mobile Bay, Alabama. As Admiral, he oversaw the construction of multiple ironclads and was on board CSS Tennesee during its battle against David Glasgow Farragut’s Union Fleet in 1864.

Learn how recent research has revealed a connection between the port of Liverpool’s Bidston Hill signal station and Norfolk, Virginia in the 18th century.

The American Civil War is often considered the first modern industrial war. Both North and South endeavored to mobilize their resources to wage total war. This experience revolutionized naval warfare, and in doing so, forever changed America’s political, social, and economic fabric.