Dive into coastal Virginia’s naval history at this expertly curated waterfront museum with ship models and artefacts from the 1700s through the 1900s.
If you appreciate nautical topics, be sure to visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum for an insightful glimpse into more than 250 years of Portsmouth marine history and more than three centuries of Portsmouth’s past. The timespan covered stretches from the colonial era through the Civil War and beyond.
The Norfolk Naval Shipyard, originally known as the Gosport Shipyard, is the country’s oldest and one of its largest shipyards, dating back to the mid 1700s. Note that the shipyard is actually in Portsmouth, across the river from Norfolk. The Portsmouth designation had already been taken by a marine facility in Maine, so Norfolk was a reasonable choice for a name.
Here, on the banks of the Elizabeth River, discover ship models, rare military artifacts and interesting exhibits showcasing historic Portsmouth and Norfolk. Learn about the ships that were built here over the years, from the country’s first battleship to an early aircraft carrier. The drydock at the shipyard is still in use today.
For more marine history, drive about 10 minutes to the nearby battleship USS Wisconsin at the Nauticus science and technology center in Norfolk. You’ll be able to tour the ship, one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy, and explore the Hampton Roads Naval Museum.
When traveling with kids, make a stop at the Children’s Museum of Virginia, just a short walk from the naval museum. Kids get a chance to act out what they have just learned at the nautical displays at an interactive, working port exhibit. Learn how tugboats operate and how everyday items are imported and exported.
Find the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum on the waterfront, in the Olde Towne Portsmouth area. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday all day and Sunday afternoons. There is an admission fee, with discounts for seniors and children under age 18.
While in the area, see the Lightship Portsmouth Museum and enjoy cultural events at the historic Commodore Theatre movie venue and the outdoor Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion.
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