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Battleship Wisconsin Turns 81!

April 9, 2025

Nauticus Honors One of the Nation’s Last Battleships with a Day of Historic Firsts, Family Fun, and Exclusive Access

Norfolk, Va. (April 9, 2025) — The Battleship Wisconsin (BB-64), one of the last and largest battleships in U.S. history, turns 81 this April — and Nauticus is marking the occasion in a big way. On Saturday, April 12, from 10 AM to 5 PM, the community is invited aboard this national treasure for a full day of special programming that not only honors the ship’s remarkable past but also offers a glimpse into its exciting future.

This year’s celebration features the opening of a brand-new space, the NCIS Room, where guests can meet active-duty agents, and an exclusive sneak peek of the soon-to-launch Turret Tour through a special “Turret Talk” program. These new experiences signal a bold new chapter in how visitors engage with the Wisconsin‘s legacy.

Special Programs & Experiences Include:

  • VIP Experience (90 min): An exclusive, in-depth tour exploring rarely-seen areas of the ship.
  • Command & Control Tour (90 min): Step into the nerve center of naval operations during this immersive experience.
  • Turret Talk (30 min) – Sneak Peek!: Get a preview of our upcoming Turret Tour and discover the firepower behind these mighty guns.
  • Main Deck Tour (45 min): Perfect for families, this accessible tour covers key areas from bow to stern.
  • Ice Cream! The Navy’s Secret Weapon (Workshop): Includes a hands-on ice cream-making session and tour of the ship’s original ice cream shop!
  • Chess Workshop: Test your strategy and skills with guest instructors aboard the ship.
  • Hair Cuts in the BB-64 Barber Shop: Experience a sailor-style trim from Vintage Barber Company inside the ship’s original barbershop.
  • New Exhibit: The NCIS Room: Tour a brand-new exhibit space and meet active-duty NCIS agents on-site.

“This celebration is about more than just a birthday—it’s a tribute to the incredible legacy of the Wisconsin and the people who served aboard her,” said Rehn West, director of development and marketing at Nauticus. “It’s an unforgettable day of discovery, learning, and fun for all ages.”

Join us for this one-day-only event and make history part of your weekend.

For more information, to register for the workshops or tours, or to become a Nauticus member, visit our website.

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.