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Nauticus to Host EdTalk in Honor of Juneteenth with Author David Wright Faladé

June 17, 2024

A book discussion and signing featuring Black Cloud Rising, a novel on local hero, Sgt. Richard Etheridge

Norfolk, Va. – Nauticus will host an EdTalk on Juneteenth featuring esteemed author, David Wright Faladé who will lead an engaging discussion centered around his acclaimed 2022 novel, Black Cloud Rising. Join Nauticus for this FREE event on Wednesday, June 19 from 6 – 7:30PM. 

This interactive program will pay tribute to Hampton Roads local hero, Sgt. Richard Etheridge, whose 36th USCT regiment played a pivotal role in Texas during the enforcement of the final emancipation of slaves on June 19th, a day now commemorated as Juneteenth.

With powerful depictions of the bonds formed between fighting men and heartrending scenes of sacrifice and courage, Black Cloud Rising offers a compelling and nuanced portrait of enslaved men and women crossing the threshold to freedom. 

Event Timeline:
5:30PM – Doors Open
6:00PM – 7:30PM – Author Q&A and Book Signing

The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Registration is required as space is limited. Click here to register!

About the Author
David Wright Faladé is the author of the acclaimed books, Fire on the Beach and Black Cloud Rising and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College and an Master of Fine Arts from the MFA Program for Poets & Writers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Faladé currently teaches at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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. The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

First-Ever Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert Held Aboard Historic Battleship Wisconsin

June 17, 2024

Nauticus to Honor Singer-Songwriter, Jimmy Buffett, with Live Band on Father’s Day Weekend

Norfolk, Va. – Nauticus is headed to “Margaritaville” this summer with their new event, Fins on the Fantail. Parrot heads are invited to board the historic Battleship Wisconsin to honor Jimmy Buffett, with live music by the Tiki Bar. This 21 and up Buffett-themed event will occur on Saturday, June 15th from 5PM -8:30PM where guests can enjoy the live music with themed drinks, food vendors, games and more all on the fantail of the largest and last Battleship built by the U.S. Navy. 

Event Details:
Location – Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus
Doors Open – 5:00PM
Music Starts – 5:30PM, Event ends at 8:30PM

Purchase this perfect Father’s Day gift today before it sells out! Tickets are $20 per person and increase by $10 on the day of the event. As always, Nauticus members receive a discount on tickets. Tickets can be purchased here.

All Fins on the Fantail proceeds directly support transformational youth sailing programs for Title I students in Norfolk public schools. Learn more about Sail Nauticus and its life changing programs here.

Must be ages 21+ to attend, ID will be verified upon arrival.

Fins on the Fantail would not be possible without the support of its generous sponsors: Virginia Maritime Association, Hampton Roads Shipping Association, and Surfside.

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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. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Nauticus Celebrates 10 Year Partnership with Norfolk Public Schools’ Start on Success (SOS) Program

June 17, 2024

For a decade now, Norfolk Public Schools and Nauticus have been proud partners in pioneering the groundbreaking internship program, Start on Success. This program is tailored for local students with diverse abilities. This unique initiative offers students the chance to step into roles as Global Guest Experience Interns at Nauticus, working alongside our Admissions/Guest Ambassadors, Battleship Operations Crew, Education/Guest Experience Departments and more. Throughout their tenure, students cultivate invaluable skills including public speaking, time management, and the art of setting personal goals.

Today, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following students, celebrating not only their high school graduation but also their successful completion of this transformative internship program. 

  • Amon Brown, Booker T. Washington High School
  • Nathaniel Dunlap II, Granby High School
  • Tiera Jones, Maury High School
  • Nevaeh Knight, Booker T. Washington High School

Thank you for all your hard work in school and volunteering at Nauticus.

Nauticus to Host Bestselling Authors of Next Tom Clancy Novel for Upcoming EdTalk

June 17, 2024

Andrews & Wilson to offer book discussion and signing on the night of their publishing date.

Norfolk, Va. – Nauticus will host an EdTalk featuring bestselling authors and Navy veterans, Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson, on the publishing date of the next Tom Clancy book, Act of Defiance. Join Nauticus for this FREE event on Tuesday, May 21st from 6 – 7:30PM. 

Moderated by Tom Clancy’s editor Tom Colgan, Andrews and Wilson will be in conversation with Commander Dennis Guy, the Executive Officer of the USS Washington and will discuss writing a submarine thriller in the Clancy universe for the 40th anniversary of the iconic novel that started it all: The Hunt for the Red October. They will also talk about the impact that military fiction has on the lives of the Navy community of active-duty sailors and veterans, as well as the impact that their military service has had on them as storytellers.

Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan series is one of the most successful thriller franchises in history. A decade since Clancy’s passing, the series has remained a New York Times bestseller. In the spirit of The Hunt for Red October, Andrews & Wilson continue Clancy’s legacy in Act of Defiance…a race to stop a rogue Russian submarine before it’s too late.

Event Timeline:
5:30PM – Doors Open
6:00PM – 7:30PM – Author Q&A and Book Signing

The event is free and open to the public. Books are available for purchase in advance here and will also be available for purchase at the event. Registration is required as space is limited. Click here to register!

About the Authors
Navy veterans Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson (Andrews & Wilson) are the bestselling writing team behind the TIER ONE, SONS OF VALOR, and THE SHEPHERDS military thriller series as well as the new technothrillers THE SANBOX and FOUR MINUTES. Andrews is a nuclear engineer and Park Leadership Fellow with a master’s degree from Cornell who served as an officer on a fast-attack nuclear submarine. Wilson is a vascular surgeon and jet pilot who conducted combat operations and multiple deployments with an East Coast–based SEAL team and worked in covert government task forces.

They have more than two dozen published novels and have sold millions of copies across media channels. In addition to their novels, they have multiple original works in development for film and television. Learn more at: www.andrews-wilson.com

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. The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

FREE Teacher Admission To Nauticus For Appreciation Week

June 17, 2024

Plus Teacher Discounts Available at Nauticus Gift Shop and The Norfolk Grille

Norfolk, Va. – To show their gratitude to teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, Nauticus will be offering complimentary admission to Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin for Virginia educators and support staff, pre-K through college, from Monday, May 6 through Sunday, May 12!

“At Nauticus, education is our mission,” said Nauticus Director of Education and Community Engagement, Nate Sandel. “So, we are proud to invite educators and support staff who dedicate their careers to educating others, to experience Nauticus for free.”

This special week will give teachers and support staff a chance to explore Nauticus’ engaging exhibits, daily programs, educational films, and a self-guided tour aboard the Battleship Wisconsin for FREE. Plus, teachers and staff members will receive 20% off one item in the gift shop and 10% off at The Norfolk Grille.

For teachers to guarantee their free ticket, Nauticus encourages reserving tickets online. Free tickets are limited in capacity each day. Educators must be able to show valid Virginia School ID (teacher or staff member) at the Nauticus front desk during check in. Free admission only offered for the teacher or staff member. Other guests must purchase general admission ticket. To reserve your teacher ticket, please visit here.

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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. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Nauticus After Dark Is Back to Kick Off the March Madness Tournament

June 17, 2024

Explore Nauticus After Hours at this 21+ Slam Dunk Event

Norfolk, Va. – Nauticus has gone MAD for March Madness! The community is invited to join Nauticus at their first “Nauticus After Dark” event of the year this Thursday, March 21st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Nauticus After Dark: Brackets & Brews offers basketball fans the opportunity to watch the first-round of the tournament games on the big screen in their 350-seat theater. Fans will also enjoy arcade basketball games, bracket competitions, gourmet hot dogs, game day drinks and so much more!

Event Highlights:

  • Livestream of the first round of the Men’s NCAA basketball games
  • Arcade basketball games to compete against your friends
  • Caricature artist, Bob Langston
  • Game day themed cocktails and bites 
  • Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, Corn Hole
  • Build your own sailboat races + win prizes
  • After Hours Exploration of Norfolk in Time, one of Nauticus’ newest exhibits
  • && more!

Nauticus After Dark tickets are $5 per person for Nauticus Members and $15 per person for non-members ($25 at the door). Tickets can be purchased here.

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. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Nauticus to Honor Women in Maritime during Women’s History Month

June 17, 2024

Reduced admission to $12 on Saturday, March 16th 

Norfolk, Va. — Nauticus’ Women’s History Month celebration focuses on women that have made remarkable contributions to the maritime industry. A variety of maritime based activities, crafts, and programs will be presented inside Nauticus and on the Battleship Wisconsin. 

“On Saturday, guests will engage with and learn from local women who have excelled in the maritime industry,” said Nathan Sandel, Director of Education at Nauticus.

We are proud to offer our visitors reduced, $12 general admission on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

In addition to visiting Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin on Women in Maritime Day, guests can:

10AM – 4PM: Meet the Women of Norfolk’s NOAA – Come learn about NOAA, finding shipwrecks, charting, and even make your own chart!
10AM – 4PM: Meet the Women of Norfolk Naval Shipyard – Engage with the women of Norfolk Naval Shipyard with production demonstrations, snap circuits, production tooling and more.
10AM – 4PM: Meet and Greet with Her Helm – Come learn about the stories and view the portraits of women boat captains across the Chesapeake Bay. By recognizing and celebrating these women, we are providing support for girls and women to find inspiration in the maritime world.
10AM – 4PM: Meet the Women of the United States Coast Guard– Explore Coast Guard Station Portsmouth’s 29-foot response boat-small and talk to Coast Guard personnel on site that day.
11AM – 1PM: Meet Susz Hodges, Chief Mate of Schooner Virginia– Join the Chief Mate of Schooner Virginia on the fantail of the Wisconsin to learn more about Sail Nauticus and try your hand at reading nautical charts. In this walk-up activity, guests will be encouraged to get their hands on navigational equipment to better understand how ships plan safe passages. Susz Hodges has her 100-ton USCG Captain’s License with sail endorsement and has sailed in the Pacific Northwest, U.S. Virgin Islands, and along the East Coast. 
11AM & 2PM: Water Quality Add On (Only $5 per person!)– Uncover the pivotal role water quality plays in our community and learn hands-on techniques for tracking local waterway health through testing and sampling. Join us in preserving and understanding the vitality of our water ecosystems. Don’t miss this chance to actively engage in environmental stewardship!
12:30PM – 1:30PM: Tunnel Talk: A Very Boring Podcast – Join us for a live recording of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel Expansion Project hit podcast where they will be displaying the impressive model of the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine).

Thank you to our community partners for Women in Maritime Day: NOAA, Her Helm, United States Coast Guard, Hampton Roads Expansion Project, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard!

To purchase tickets to Women in Maritime Day at Nauticus, please click here.

Plan Your Visit
Nauticus is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Paid admission includes access to the Nauticus museum, special programming, and the Battleship Wisconsin. As always, Nauticus members are free. Tickets and additional details are available online here.

About Nauticus
Women in Maritime Day and additional exhibits are supported by the Nauticus Foundation. The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Nauticus to Honor Norfolk Native, William Roscoe Davis, In Celebration of Black History Month 

June 17, 2024

Esteemed Speakers from local HBCU’s featured in Free “EdTalk” Lecture Series

Norfolk, Va. (February 13, 2024) – In celebration of Black History Month, Nauticus invites the community to join them on February 22 at 6PM as they kick off their free “EdTalk” lecture series titled “Beacon of History: Illuminating the Past, Igniting the Future”.

The event will feature esteemed speakers, Dr. William Wiggins (Hampton University) and Dr. Colita Fairfax (Norfolk State University), who will explore the remarkable journey of William Roscoe Davis, born a slave in Norfolk, who escaped to Fort Monroe during the Civil War and became a pivotal figure as the head lighthouse keeper at Old Point Comfort.

Dr. Wiggins and Dr. Fairfax will discuss the little-told narrative of Davis as “contraband” and how his resilience and contributions illuminate a significant chapter in African American history. The speakers will share their efforts to locate Davis’s final resting place, shedding light on the importance of preserving African American cemeteries and honoring the legacies of those who paved the way.

This event is free and open to the public, space is limited, and reservations are required. Reserve your seat here.

About the Speakers 
Dr. William Wiggins is a historian and scholar who taught at University of Connecticut, St. Olaf and Allegheny Colleges, Hampton University and Columbia University where he also served as an Assistant Dean. Dr. Colita Fairfax is a Professor, Honors College Senior Faculty Fellow, and an inaugural faculty scholar in the Center for African American Public Policy at Norfolk State University.

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. The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Nauticus Connects Students to Maritime Jobs with New Program

June 17, 2024

More than 1,500 students participate in first-of-its-kind STEM to STERN initiative.

Norfolk, Va.— Title 1 schools in Norfolk and Hampton will be among the first to participate in Nauticus’ newly-created program that introduces young students to the vast number of jobs and careers associated with the region’s maritime community.  The first-of-its-kind STEM to STERN Careers Program aligns with Nauticus’ transformational $21.5 million redesign project (“Reimagine Nauticus”).  After participating in educator-led classroom sessions, students will explore Nauticus’ newly designed galleries where they’ll practice welding a ship’s hull, discover diverse careers, and gain a better understanding of the region’s maritime industry.  Earlier this month, the Virginia Maritime Association cited a new study that indicates one in five jobs in Virginia, nearly 730,000 in total, are linked to the maritime community.     

Made possible through grant awards totaling more than $50,000 from the COVA STEM Ecosystem and Howmet Aerospace Foundation, more than 1,500 fourth graders will be first to experience this free instructor-led education series.

“We’re a maritime discovery center committed to introducing local students to meaningful, well-paying jobs along this waterfront,” said Nauticus Director of Education & Community Engagement, Nathan Sandel.  “The STEM to STERN Careers Program eliminates so many perceived obstacles.  We provide the education, we provide the transportation, and we provide the inspiration.”  

Southside STEM Academy, Compass Academy at Ruffner, Lake Taylor School, and Crossroads School are among the first schools to participate in the program throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

About Nauticus
The STEM to STERN Careers program and other initiatives are made possible through the Nauticus Foundation.  The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

About Reimagine Nauticus
To learn more about the Reimagine Nauticus campaign or to see current updates about the project, please visit https://nauticus.org/reimagine-nauticus/

First-Ever Community Night at WinterFest on the Wisconsin

June 17, 2024

60% Admission Reduction Coincides with Grand Illumination Parade.

Norfolk, Va. (Nov. 14, 2023) — Hampton Roads’ newest holiday tradition, WinterFest on the Wisconsin, is inviting the 757 to come celebrate this Saturday, November 18th, with a special $7.57 admission price.  The community-focused initiative is timed to coincide with Downtown Norfolk’s longtime holiday spectacular, the Grand Illumination Parade, and represents a 60% savings for visitors.  

“We’ve deeply discounted these tickets on a premium Saturday night as a way to say, ‘thank you’ to a community that supports us all year long,” said Nauticus executive director, Stephen Kirkland.  “With thousands of visitors downtown for the parade, we thought this was the perfect opportunity to open our doors as widely as possible.” 

This $7.57 admission offer applies to adults and children and is valid only for Saturday, November 18th. Tickets purchased for November 18th can not be exchanged to a different night or refunded due to the difference in price. No other admission discounts can be combined with this promotional rate.

Can’t make it this Saturday? WinterFest’s general admission and member tickets are on sale until January 1. Book your night to discover your holiday spirit exploring this dazzling, waterfront illumination festival featuring more than one million lights.  

Plan Your Visit 

WinterFest on the Wisconsin runs November 10, 2023, to January 1, 2024, and is open on select nights throughout the holiday season. Pricing: $18.50 adult, $14.50 child general admission. Nauticus members receive a discounted rate of $5 off. 

About Nauticus 

Support for WinterFest on the Wisconsin directly benefits the Nauticus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Funding provides interpretation and restoration of the Battleship Wisconsin and allows Nauticus to open new onboard spaces and experiential learning opportunities for students, families, and visitors. 

For more information, visit www.winterfestonthewisconsin.com or www.nauticus.org