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A little background
Hampton Roads embraces the metropolitan areas of Norfolk, Newport News and Virginia Beach, along with their coastal waterways. Of the many area museums and historic sites you can visit, two stand out because of their connection to the sea and events that help tell the story of the United States. These not-to-miss repositories for historical treasures are Nauticus in Norfolk and the Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News.
Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin
The Nauticus science center and museum is located on Norfolk’s waterfront, next to the city’s cruise terminal. The museum blends water-related science with the latest technology and provides a hands-on learning experience for visitors of all ages. Included in the Nauticus admission ticket is admission to the USS Wisconsin, moored alongside the museum. Originally, this World War II-era battleship saw duty in the Pacific, and, in 1945, supported the landings on Iwo Jima and Okinawa. In 1951, the Wisconsin became the flagship for the US Seventh Fleet during the Korean War. In 1988, Tomahawk cruise missiles and Harpoon antiship missiles were installed to enhance the firepower provided by the ship’s nine, sixteen-inch, fifty-caliber main guns. The battleship then served in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in 1990-91, after which she was decommissioned. Today, volunteers pipe visitors aboard to walk the decks or join a guided tour for a look around the captain’s cabin and other interior areas.
The Mariners’ Museum and Park
Anyone who loves the sea, seafarers and ships will be fascinated by the Mariners’ Museum and Park. The museum boasts 90,000 square feet of exhibit space. You can wander from the Age of Exploration section or International Small Craft Center to the exhibit entitled “The Nelson Touch,” which focuses on the heroics of England’s Admiral Lord Nelson in the Napoleonic Wars. However, the exhibit most often associated with the Mariners’ Museum is the gun turret of the famous ironclad, USS Monitor.
In 1862, during the Civil War, while engaged in warfare with CSS Virginia its ironclad opponent, the Monitor sank in the Atlantic during a severe storm. Of the 63 crewmembers, 16 did not survive the sinking. Decades later, the resting place of the Monitor was discovered, and, in 2002, Navy divers helped to raise the gun turret. It was transported by barge to the Mariners’ Museum to undergo painstakingly careful preservation. The remains of two sailors were found within the turret. Their personal effects along with operational items belonging to the vessel are on display at the museum.
Where to stay
You’ll find a wide selection of accommodations in the Hampton Roads area. Examples include the Hilton Garden Inn and the Courtyard by Marriott, Newport News, and in Norfolk, Delta Hotels by Marriott Norfolk Airport and Hilton Norfolk the Main.
Where to eat
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try Maymar Poke and Grill in Norfolk. Here you’ll find Filipino fare such as Lumpia and Chicken Adobo. In Newport News, head over to the Second Street American Bistro. This restaurant has a varied menu including vegan options—but their hamburger has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
How to get there
Both major airlines and commuters serve the airports in Hampton Roads. Norfolk International Airport is approximately seven miles from downtown Norfolk, VA, and Nauticus. The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News is about a 20-minute drive from the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport.
Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check government advisories before scheduling trips.
Enjoy your visit as you travel into history!