At Adoptions From the Heart, our Virginia adoption agents believe that learning new things is one of the best ways to bond as a family. There are numerous destinations where learning is fun and interesting here, including many museums. The maritime museum Nauticus is one of our favorites in this region. Some of our favorite aspects of this museum include:
Battleship Wisconsin
Battleship Wisconsin is berthed at Nauticus and the main attraction for this museum. Visitors to Nauticus are free to explore the deck of this historic ship, either on a self-guided tour or in their guided Topside Tour. The ship is an Iowa-class battleship and the second US Navy Ship named after the state of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin departed from Norfolk on July 7, 1944, and headed for the British West Indies. It was used in a variety of wars, from the Korean War in the 1950s to the Persian Gulf War in 1991.
There are several exhibits located in the Battleship Wisconsin:
Art in the Guts of the Wisky
This exhibit is hidden and most likely not sanctioned by the Navy. It includes several murals which were painted on the ship during the last years of its active duty. You can view recreations of original artwork by these sailors.
Battleship Wisconsin Model
A model of the Battleship Wisconsin was built and donated by Nauticus by Master Model Maker, Keith Mullen in May of 2011. It is a 10-foot, 1/96 scale model of the ship with her 1988 configuration, which was what was used during her last tour of duty in 1991, Operation Desert Storm. This model can be found in the Wisconsin Vista.
A Capital Ship
“Capital Ship” is a term used by battleship enthusiasts to refer to the traditional role of large warships in Naval operations. In this exhibit, you can learn about the origin of the warship and how it’s been used in war throughout history.
Guns, Sweat, and Gears: Anatomy of a Battleship
In this exhibit, you can step back into the past and view a wide range of historical gear and artifacts. This includes tools, gun devices, and personal mementos from the individuals who served on the ship. Highlights include a 2,400-pound military analog computer, a 12-foot long optical range finder, WWII bunks, galley equipment, shell sleds and cradles for moving gun ammunition, a 48-star US flag, and dozens of newly-seen archival images.
Our Mighty Seaport
Our Mighty Seaport is an exhibit that can teach your family about maritime commerce. You’ll have the opportunity to navigate a tugboat along a busy waterway and you’ll be provided with “real-time” information about ships sailing past Nauticus. You’ll also learn about popular Virginia imports and exports and get a view of giant cranes, tugboats, sailboats, and cargo ships from the Elizabeth River Observation Deck.
1907: The Jamestown Exposition & Launching of the Steel Navy
This is the newest permanent exhibit at Nauticus. It was developed and produced by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in conjunction with Nauticus. The exhibit explores the period from 1880 to 1907 as the Navy began to recover from a decline following the Civil War. In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt sent the Great White Fleet around the world to show the strength of America’s Navy.
