Visit to the USS Monitor at the Mariners' Museum

 27 Sep 23:

From the Mariners' Museum Website: "When the sea claimed USS Monitor in 1862, the world lost an irreplaceable piece of cultural heritage. Fortunately, 140 years later, one-fifth of the ship was recovered from the depths of the Atlantic. These one-of-a-kind artifacts now reside within the Batten Conservation Complex at The Mariners’ Museum and Park, where they are undergoing conservation. In partnership with NOAA’s Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, we are proud to be the stewards of this revolutionary vessel. 

USS Monitor represents the world’s largest marine archaeological metals conservation project. More than 210 tons of material were excavated from Monitor’s wreck site, all requiring care. Among the historically significant objects recovered are Monitor‘s revolving gun turret, two Dahlgren guns, and its steam propulsion engine. The Museum’s archaeological conservators tackle tons of challenges every day, working with materials ranging all over like iron, copper, wood, rope,  fabric, and rubber."

We visited the Museum a few weeks back to check on the progress of preservation of Monitor artifacts. As more objects complete the process, they are placed on display. Several large items such as the anchor and propeller are out, and the ship's red lantern. 

(Image: NOAA)

There are several interior parts of the ship recreated. I like the Officer's stateroom exhibits, and would someday like to copy the items to furnish our Library/Archives/spare bedroom. 

If you've follow the blog long enough, you'll know that I like shop furniture, especially useful items like stools. I feel a replica of this coming on soon, although this one is probably conceptual. 

Outside the space where the anchor and propeller are displayed is a full scale mockup of the ship's hull, built by the Newport News Shipyard.

Video of steam engine model: https://youtu.be/VLM2_8h2BdA

There also a casting taken from the recovered turret, representative of how it looked as it was lifted from the bottom of the Atlantic. Human remains were recovered, so it is very eerie to look at. 

There is much more to see at the Museum, which also houses a world class academic library and conservation complex. We hope you get a chance to visit, and go for a paddle or walk on the campus in Mariners' Park and Lake.

FMI: Mariners' Museum