Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Norfolk
The Hampton Roads Naval Museum offers an enriching experience about naval history. Operated by the U.S. Navy as part of the Naval History & Heritage Command, this museum is one of just ten officially maintained Navy museums nationwide. It鈥檚 dedicated to celebrating and interpreting the U.S. Navy鈥檚 storied past in the Hampton Roads region, spanning from the Revolutionary War to modern times.
Founded in 1979 and originally housed in 鈥淧ennsylvania House鈥� - a replica of Independence Hall from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition - the museum relocated to a much larger and more central space within Nauticus in 1994. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 2008, the facility holds itself to rigorous standards of preservation and public engagement.
The museum鈥檚 permanent exhibitions offer a chronological journey through naval history. Visitors can explore artifacts related to pivotal moments like the Battle of the Chesapeake from 1781, the Civil War battles in Hampton Roads, the era of the Great White Fleet, World War II, and the Cold War. Highlights include detailed ship models, naval prints, underwater archaeological finds, and the remains of two Civil War wrecks - USS Cumberland and CSS Florida. Notably, many artifacts recovered from these wrecks-including cannons, ordnance, and a ship鈥檚 bell-are on display.
Beyond its permanent displays, the museum regularly presents temporary exhibitions on engaging topics such as 鈥淎nimals and the U.S. Navy鈥�, 鈥淐uba Libre鈥�, and 鈥淧ax Americana鈥�. A dedicated reference library and photographic archive are available by appointment for researchers or curious visitors.
Founded in 1979 and originally housed in 鈥淧ennsylvania House鈥� - a replica of Independence Hall from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition - the museum relocated to a much larger and more central space within Nauticus in 1994. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 2008, the facility holds itself to rigorous standards of preservation and public engagement.
The museum鈥檚 permanent exhibitions offer a chronological journey through naval history. Visitors can explore artifacts related to pivotal moments like the Battle of the Chesapeake from 1781, the Civil War battles in Hampton Roads, the era of the Great White Fleet, World War II, and the Cold War. Highlights include detailed ship models, naval prints, underwater archaeological finds, and the remains of two Civil War wrecks - USS Cumberland and CSS Florida. Notably, many artifacts recovered from these wrecks-including cannons, ordnance, and a ship鈥檚 bell-are on display.
Beyond its permanent displays, the museum regularly presents temporary exhibitions on engaging topics such as 鈥淎nimals and the U.S. Navy鈥�, 鈥淐uba Libre鈥�, and 鈥淧ax Americana鈥�. A dedicated reference library and photographic archive are available by appointment for researchers or curious visitors.
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Hampton Roads Naval Museum on Map
Sight Name: Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Norfolk, Virginia
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Norfolk Introduction Walking Tour
The Southern forces were left dumbfounded when one of their own, Norfolk native Mary Louvestre, revealed their plans to the Union government. Mary's act gave the Union navy an upper hand in the sea battle against Confederate ships.
In 1636, English colonists established a small settlement along the Elizabeth River, recognizing the area鈥檚 natural deep-water harbor as a vital asset for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
In 1636, English colonists established a small settlement along the Elizabeth River, recognizing the area鈥檚 natural deep-water harbor as a vital asset for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles