Visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum if you’re interested in naval history and you happen to be in Portsmouth, Virginia. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is one of the oldest and most significant naval facilities in the United States, and this museum provides an engaging and educational look into its history.
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s past
One of the nation’s oldest naval facilities is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which dates back to 1767. Due to the start of the Civil War, the shipyard’s original location in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was transferred to Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1861. The shipyard contributed significantly to the development of American history by building some of the most illustrious vessels in the U.S. Navy, including the USS Constitution, the oldest operational warship in existence.
The Commandant’s Quarters, which date from the 1830s and have been painstakingly restored to their original state, serve as the home of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. The museum highlights the shipyard’s heritage and its contributions to the American Navy. A variety of subjects, such as shipbuilding, naval technology, and the people who worked at the shipyard, are covered by the museum’s exhibits.
Expectations for the Museum
There are many different exhibits in the museum that will take you on a historical tour of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The USS Monitor Center, one of the museum’s highlights, is devoted to the history of the USS Monitor, one of the most well-known ships constructed at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The USS Monitor, which took part in the Civil War, was the first ironclad warship in the American Navy.
A full-scale replica of the USS Monitor can be found at the center, along with artifacts and engaging exhibits that tell the tale of the ship and its crew. Visitors can tour the ship’s interior, find out about its ground-breaking design, and see how the crew functioned during the Civil War.
The museum’s Ship Model Room, which houses a collection of more than 150 ship models, is another well-liked exhibit. Battleships, submarines, and other objects from the 18th century to the present are all represented in the models. Each model has been painstakingly made, and it offers a special window into the evolution of naval architecture and design.
The museum also has exhibits on shipbuilding technology, the shipyard’s role in World War II, and the people who have worked there over the years in addition to these items. Additionally, there are interactive exhibits that let visitors learn about naval technology and weapons while exploring a submarine’s interior.
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum visit
In Portsmouth, Virginia, at 2 High Street, is the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, 1 pm to 5 pm are the museum’s hours of operation. Adult admission costs $5; senior and military admission costs $4; and youth admission costs $3. Little ones under six are free.
The museum has parking for visitors and is wheelchair accessible. By appointment, group tours are offered and can be customized to the group’s individual interests.
Visitors can take a walking tour of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in addition to the museum. Both a visit to the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and a tour of the shipyard are included in the excursion. Every third Saturday of the month, a free tour is provided.