MUSEUMS

Winter Lecture Series: George Daughan- 1812: The Navy's War

Presented by The Mariners' Museum

February 27, 2012

In celebration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, George Daughan will join us at The Mariners’ Museum to discuss his latest book: 1812: The Navy’s War. America was at odds against the great British Royal Navy, seeming that they would easily be defeated the United States Navy’s twenty ships, bravely faced their sure defeat. However, though genius navigational and tactical skills, America turned the tides. Recounting this story of a heroic captain and his brave crew,...

Civil War Motor-Coach Tour

Presented by The Mariners' Museum at The Mariners' Museum

March 9, 2012

Join local historians John Quarstein and J. Michael Moore for a motor-coach tour of Civil War sites on the Peninsula. Stops include Fortress Monroe, Lee Hall Mansion, Endview Plantation and Gloucester Point, among others. Lunch will be served at the beautiful Boxwood Inn at Lee Hall.

Quarstein was the recipient of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 1993 President’s Award for Historic Preservation Award, and is the author of several books on Virginia history....

Living History Day

Presented by The Mariners' Museum at The Mariners' Museum

March 9, 2012

Join us as we bring Civil War history to life with events focusing on the famed Battle between ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia. Students will interact with soldiers and sailors, tour the award-winning USS MONITOR Center, play 19th century games, make period crafts, and participate in interactive vignettes, such as Civil War Through Music, A Slave’s Perspective of the War, Sailor vs. Soldier Life, and Uncommon Soldiers!

Ironclad Chef

Presented by The Mariners' Museum at The Mariners' Museum

March 10, 2012

Join us as we host the second annual Ironclad Chef competition. Throughout the day, guests will witness demonstrations of two very unique cooking styles, that of a slave on a plantation and that of a Union cook on the deck of the USS Monitor. The two competitors will discuss their menu choices, ingredients, and cooking styles, giving insight into a world of food preparation before refrigeration, electric ovens, and microwaves. This portion of the Ironclad Chef competition is free for...

Living History

Presented by The Mariners' Museum at The Mariners' Museum

March 9-March 11, 2012

Bring your students to The Mariners’ Museum and we will make Civil War history come to life with events focusing on the famed 1862 Battle of Hampton Roads between the ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia.

Students will have the opportunity to interact with Civil War soldiers, explore the award-winning USS Monitor center, and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art Conservation Facility. But the fun doesn’t stop there; 19th century crafts and games will be...

10th Annual Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend

Presented by The Mariners' Museum at The Mariners' Museum

March 9-March 11, 2012

March 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Hampton Roads. On March 8, 1862, the CSS Virginia 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 CSS Virginia in a battle, which- though fought to a draw- changed the very nature of naval warfare not only in America, but worldwide.

Join The Mariners’ Museum and our partners at NOAA’s Monitor...

Civil War Navy Conference

Presented by The Mariners' Museum at The Mariners' Museum

March 9-March 11, 2012

The Mariners’ Museum, along with its partners at NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, The Museum of the Confederacy, and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum are soliciting panels and poster sessions for the Civil War Navy Conference, featuring award-winning authors Harold Holzer on March 9th, Craig Symonds on March 10th, and John Quarstein on March 11th.

Papers will be considered in the following areas: Civil War Naval history, technology, literature, art, and...

Ironclad BattleQuest

Presented by The Mariners' Museum at The Mariners' Museum

March 10-March 11, 2012

Explore the Battle of Hampton Roads like never before with Ironclad BattleQuest, a fun interactive adventure for the entire family.
During this year’s Battle of Hampton Roads weekend, Union and Confederate “spies” will abound as families explore the encampment, uncover secrets about the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, hold audience with Abraham Lincoln, and experience Civil War food before reporting back to their “commanding officer.” These are just a few of...

Discovery Lab - Corals

Presented by Virginia Institute of Marine Science at VIMS McHugh Auditorium / Waterman's Hall

March 20, 2012

Join VIMS PhD student Jennifer Elliott for a hands-on exploration of corals and coral reefs.

Winter Lecture Series: Donovan Hohn- Moby Duck

Presented by The Mariners' Museum at The Mariners' Museum

March 22, 2012

On January, 10 1992, a freighter en route to Tacoma, Washington from Hong Kong encountered a storm in the North Pacific. As the massive ship lurched through three-story waves, its cargo, some of it lashed above deck in 20 foot long shipping containers, toppled overboard. Among the freight: 28,800 plastic bath toys, including those lovable yellow rubber ducks.

Donovan Hohn will present his new book Moby Duck: The True Story of 28,800 Bath Toys Lost at Sea and of the...

3rd Annual Step Up for The Up Center

Presented by The Up Center at Dominion Tower

March 25, 2012

On March 25th, hundreds will climb to the top of the Dominion Tower in Norfolk for a good cause. The 3rd Annual Step Up for The Up Center is Hampton Roads' premiere stair climbing competition that challenges participants aged 8 and older to walk or run up Dominion Tower's 25 flights of stairs. Proceeds benefit more than 10,000 people in need in Hampton Roads.

Jamestown and the "Starving Time:" Did groundwater play a role?

Presented by Virginia Institute of Marine Science at VIMS McHugh Auditorium / Waterman's Hall

March 29, 2012

Join W&M geology professor Greg Hancock for VIMS' After Hours lecture as he explores the role of bad drinking water in Jamestown's "Starving Time."

THE CHILD: TAA Artists Celebrate Children and the Arts

Presented by Courthouse Galleries at Courthouse Galleries

January 28-April 8, 2012

The Tidewater Arts Alliance offers a juried portfolio exhibit based upon the theme of the statewide initiative Virginia Celebrates Children and the Arts.

Event photo: Nancy Topping Bazin, Imaginative Kids - Busy Adults, 28 x 36

Discovery Lab - Oysters

Presented by Virginia Institute of Marine Science at VIMS Catlett Burress Research and Education Laboratory

April 17, 2012

Join researcher Anu Frank-Lawale for an interactive look at oysters and oyster research at VIMS.

Eagle Festival and Symposium

Presented by Norfolk Botanical Garden at Norfolk Botanical Garden

May 4-May 6, 2012

Celebrate nature with Norfolk Botanical Garden at Garden's Eagle Festival and Symposium! This spectacular event celebrates and educates 'all things' eagles. The festival hosts 2 major events -- the Eagle Festival and the Eagle Symposium.

Eagle Festival:
Date: May 5, 2012
Time: 10am to 4pm
Cost: Included with Garden admission
Location: Mayor’s Row

The Eagle Festival includes demonstrations, live animals, booths, arts and crafts with...

Discovery Lab - Ocean Chemistry and Acidification

Presented by Virginia Institute of Marine Science at VIMS Catlett Burress Research and Education Laboratory

June 19, 2012

Join VIMS graduate student Jenna Luek as she explores ocean chemistry and how ocean acidification can affect marine life.

Discovery Lab - Fish of the York River

Presented by Virginia Institute of Marine Science

July 17, 2012

Join VIMS PhD student Andre Buchheister as he helps you explore the wonderful diversity of fishes in the York River.

Art in Clay: Masterworks of North Carolina Earthenware

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

September 24, 2011-July 29, 2012

A new traveling ceramics exhibition exploring the Old World traditions of the early Carolina backcountry opens Sept. 24 in Colonial Williamsburg’s Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. “Art in Clay: Masterworks of North Carolina Earthenware” is the first exhibit to celebrate the achievements of North Carolina's 18th- and 19th-century potters.
Highly skilled craftsmen of European and British descent brought a variety of Old World traditions with them to America...

Discovery Lab - Streams to Sea: Watersheds

Presented by Virginia Institute of Marine Science

August 21, 2012

Join May Sligh of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation to learn what a watershed is, how pollutants and nutrients end up in the Bay, and what you can do to help.

Fashion Accessories from Head to Toe: 1600 to 1840

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum

January 29, 2011-August 31, 2012

A new exhibition at Colonial Williamsburg’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum features apparel that turned heads for 240 years and demonstrates that fashion accessories were just as important in the distant past as they are today.

“Fashion Accessories from Head to Toe: 1600 to 1840” takes wardrobe items out of the closet and illustrates their roles in reflecting the latest fashion trends for men and women. More than 200 fashion accessories are displayed —...

More Than Meets The Eye

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum

March 26, 2011-August 31, 2012

Maps fascinate many people because of the ability of those ancient documents to reveal stories about the past. Maps serve a variety of practical purposes — to document new discoveries, to facilitate travel, to claim land and to record military activity. As scientific and authoritative documents, maps imparted a perception of power and control over the environment. They also served as important tools for swaying public opinion when their creators carefully considered what information to...

First Hit

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

September 9, 2011-September 11, 2012

“First Hit,” the first 21st-century folk art painting acquisition by Colonial Williamsburg’s Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, will go on view today in the introductory gallery of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
“First Hit” is a 2002 oil painting by Virginia Beach artist Betty Herbert that depicts one of the most horrifying moments in recent memory — the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade...

Discovery Lab: Mad Lab!

Presented by Virginia Institute of Marine Science at VIMS Catlett Burress Research and Education Laboratory

October 23, 2012

Explore the wonders of dry ice, slime, and things that glow in the dark during this Halloween-themed lab.

The Living Sea

Presented by Nauticus at Nauticus

October 1, 2009 - Ongoing

This film celebrates the world ocean - its beauty, diversity and importance to all life on Earth. Swim with thousands of golden jellyfish and witness the bizarre spawning behavior of giant clams. Surf in Hawaii, deep-sea dive in Palau and test your courage with the Coast Guard in some of the world's roughest seas!

Historic Houses Programs

Presented by Chrysler Museum of Art at The Moses Myers House

September 19, 2009 - Ongoing

Weekend Programs at the Historic Houses explore specific themes of the Moses Myers House in greater detail. Weekend programs are scheduled weekly at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Moses Myers Maritime Merchant

Presented by Chrysler Museum of Art at The Moses Myers House

September 1, 2009 - Ongoing

This ongoing exhibit at the Moses Myers House draws an exceptionally accurate picture of 18th-century life.

Barton Myers: Norfolk Visionary

Presented by Chrysler Museum of Art at The Moses Myers House

September 30, 2009 - Ongoing

Barton Myers is an exciting new exhibit at the Moses Myers House.

Theater and the Road to Revolution

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

May 21, 2009 - Ongoing

How did theater impact the political climate up to and during the war years? The audience is invited to become acquainted with the role theater played during a time when public performances were banned by the then Continental Congress.

Public Audience with a Founding Father

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

May 21, 2009 - Ongoing

Much as in the days of yore, those visiting Colonial Williamsburg may, if they so choose, experience an interactive public audience with a Founding Father of our nation in the historical context of the 18th century discussing political and social events of the day.

Down on the Farm

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

September 1, 2009 - Ongoing

This exhibition in the Penelope P. and Dr. Sergio V. Proserpi Gallery follows the story of Prince, a carved wooden dog, as he explores the country side. This family-friendly exhibition features animals in paintings, sculpture and toys. Visitors read rhyming text that tells the adventures of Prince as he meets up with weathervane roosters, carved ducks, and wooden horses. Related sticker book and plush toy available in the Museum Store.

Orientation Walk

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

May 7, 2009 - Ongoing

Guides share the latest information on programming, dining and shopping options. Guests get an overview of the 18th-century community and learn about the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg.

The Challenge of Independence

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

April 8, 2009 - Ongoing

In late June 1776, Archibald Cary, Robert Carter Nicholas and other members of Virginia's "Independence Delegation" discuss Virginia's Declaration of Rights and new state constitution. The future of the new republic is their responsibility. Takes place in the Governor's Palace gardens, weather permitting.

Listen My Children: Legends, Myths and Fables for Families

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

April 6, 2009 - Ongoing

Bring the entire family to the Coffeehouse Backyard for a gathering with fun and interesting stories that the whole family will enjoy. Storytellers will share their tales by firelight as young and old hear some of the same legends that entertained families of centuries past.

Resolved, Free and Independent States

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

April 7, 2009 - Ongoing

The representatives of the free men of Virginia take the bold first step in breaking from Great Britain by passing resolutions for independence. They must now set about establishing a republican form of government.

A Court of Tar and Feathers

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

April 7, 2009 - Ongoing

The men who answered Virginia's call for the defense of American liberty were proud, brave, and spirited. They were bound together by the ties of honor and love of country. Any who would challenge their rights and liberties had better beware!

Revolutionary City: Collapse of Royal Government, 1774-1776

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

April 16, 2009 - Ongoing

From May 1774 to May 1776, events took place in Williamsburg that changed Virginians from subjects of a distant monarch to citizens of a self-governing republic. Join in and witness dramatic scenes depicting key events of 1774-1776.

Theater and the Road to Revolution

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

April 16, 2009 - Ongoing

How did theater impact the political climate up to and during the war years? Colonial Williamsburg explores the role theater played during a time when public performances were banned by the Continental Congress. Topics vary daily, and include Washington's connection with theater, women's contributions to the war, and printed propaganda, just to name a few.

Decorative Arts Highlights

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

April 16, 2009 - Ongoing

DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum's guided tours introduce guests to some of the masterworks on exhibit such as paintings, ceramics, textiles, furniture and silver.

In Their Own Words: African Americans in the Revolutionary Era

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Colonial Williamsburg

April 16, 2009 - Ongoing

In Their Own Words - African Americans in the Revolutionary Era is an interactive walking history tour. An anonymous secret letter written by a slave in 1723 provides insight into the history of free blacks and slaves in Virginia as they struggled to be both free and equal during the American Revolution. With the historic area as the stage a variety of documents and props will assist guests in discovering and engaging in the war time choices, decisions and consequences "in...

Russ Morison

Presented by Mariners' Museum at The Mariners' Museum

May 30, 2009 - Ongoing

The USS Monitor was engaged in battles continuously from May 6 until September 1, 1862 in both the campaign to retake Hampton Roads and General McClellan's Peninsula Campaign. Life was hard for the 58 crew members, but through their courage and resourcefulness, they learned how to employ the Monitor's unique capabilities. The lessons learned influenced 34 Monitor class war ships during the Civil War and beyond.

Material Witnesses: Quilts and Their Makers

Presented by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum at Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

November 26, 2009 - Ongoing

This exhibition tells the fascinating and varied stories of the women and men who produced intricate, colorful bed coverings in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Norfolk History Museum Series - Moses Myers & Sons: Merchant Princes of the Atlantic

Presented by Chrysler Museum of Art at Chrysler Museum of Art

March 11, 2009 - Ongoing

Join John Christiansen, manager of the Chrysler's Historic Houses, in the Museum's Kaufman Theatre to explore the business activities of Moses Myers and his family.

Fifty Years Later: The Lessons of Massive Resistance

Presented by Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House at Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House

February 18, 2009 - Ongoing

As part of a city-wide commemoration marking the 50th anniversary of the end of "massive resistance," the exhibition highlights this period in national history by chronologically displaying photographs, documents, and clippings of the people and places that forever changed Norfolk's Public Schools. 50 Years Later: The Lessons of Massive Resistance tells the story of the reopening of schools in Norfolk after Governor Lindsay Almond closed them rather than agree to court...

Horseshoe Crab Cove Preview Event

Presented by Nauticus at Nauticus

November 8, 2008 - Ongoing

Come witness the unveiling of the new Horseshoe Crab Cove and meet the new crab family - Henry, Henrietta, Harvey, Hannah, Holly, and Harry - who just moved in! Enjoy a continental breakfast, face painting, balloon animals and lively music by Bob Zentz - plus play some horsehoes!

Highlights from the Collection

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum

September 22, 2008 - Ongoing

This 30 minute guided tour introduces visitors to the 18th century paintings, furniture and ceramics on display in the decorative arts museum, with an emphasis on the museum's Masterworks exhibit, as well as offering information on the history of the decorative arts collection in Williamsburg.

Ceramics Up-Close

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum

September 5, 2008 - Ongoing

This in-depth 45 minute look at the museum's ceramics includes interesting stories about the craftsmen, their creations and the functions for which they were used.

An Introduction to Folk Art

Presented by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation at Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

September 22, 2008 - Ongoing

Enjoy a 30 minute guided tour of whimsical and fascinating selections from Mrs. Rockefeller's original collection for which the museum was founded.

Shark Touch

Presented by Nauticus at Nauticus

June 22, 2008 - Ongoing

What does a shark's skin feel like? Find out at Nauticus' Shark Petting Lagoon, where you can touch the back of a warm-water Nurse Shark. Sharks in the Lagoon vary in length from two to three feet. Important Information: Height restrictions apply.

Growing Up in the 19th Century

Presented by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum at Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

June 29, 2008 - Ongoing

What was it like growing up in the 1800s? Did children enjoy the same activities that they do today? Visitors will hear stories from the past as they explore the galleries and make a 19th-century toy.

Cameo Performances: Masterpieces of Cameo Glass from the Chrysler's Collection

Presented by Chrysler Museum of Art at Chrysler Museum of Art

June 29, 2008 - Ongoing

Avg. Event Rating (5.0 Stars):

Highlighting the skills of master carvers and their sources of inspiration, Cameo Performances explores the history of cameo glass carving beginning with ancient Roman examples, focusing on the popular technique's resurgence in England during the late 19th century.