About Nauticus

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military.
Mission Statement
We exist to benefit our community through education, impactful experiences and by sharing access to maritime resources.
Vision Statement
To become the leading maritime and science discovery center in the region.
The Nauticus Foundation
The Nauticus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. The Nauticus Foundation is responsible for annual and capital fundraising, the development and expansion of Museum exhibits to include traveling exhibitions; educational programming centered around the principles of Nauticus’ STEM to STERN curriculum; interpretation and preservation efforts aboard the Battleship Wisconsin; community support such as the Student Access Program and scholarships for the Sail Nauticus Academy; and preservation, maintenance and programming aboard the schooner Virginia and Sail Nauticus’ sailing center.
City of Norfolk & Nauticus Foundation Partnership
Nauticus is a partnership between the City of Norfolk and The Nauticus Foundation. The City of Norfolk owns and maintains Nauticus’ buildings and grounds to include the Battleship Wisconsin and Half Moone Decker Cruise Terminal. The City of Norfolk provides administrative support such as accounting and human resources and operational support for Cruise Virginia in which the City of Norfolk retains all revenue for that program.
Nauticus Campus
The Nauticus campus is managed in a secure partnership by the Nauticus Foundation and the City of Norfolk, the campus serves over 370,000+ visitors annually and includes the following assets:

Nauticus Maritime Discovery Center

Battleship
Wisconsin

Sail Nauticus
Sailing Center and Schooner Virginia

Half Moone Decker Cruise Terminal
Education & Outreach
Nauticus is dedicated to providing educational resources for teachers, parents, and students of all ages in an interactive and engaging format. Nauticus’ education focus areas include:

Education & outreach
Maritime
Environment
STEM in the Workplace,
Computer Science,
and Engineering
Environmental impact
(climate change, sea level rise)
Waterway Conservation
Regional Resiliency

EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Maritime
Industry
STEM in the Workplace,
Computer Science,
and Engineering
Port of VA, Global Shipping,
and Supply Chain Logistics
History of Norfolk’s Port

EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Maritime and
the Military
STEM in the Workplace,
Computer Science,
and Engineering
Military to Mariner:
Reciprocal Careers and
Workforce Development
Past, Present and
Future of the US Navy
Nauticus Equity & Inclusion Statement
In August 2020, Nauticus’ Board of Directors adopted an official Equity & Inclusion Statement to align with its strategic plan. The official statement is as follows: