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Nauticus to Honor African American Scientists and Inventors During Black History Month

February 21, 2023

Reduced admission to $7.57 on Saturday, February 25

Norfolk, Va. — Nauticus’ Black History Month celebration focuses on the African American Scientists and Inventors that made influential change in STEM. A variety of STEM based activities, crafts, and programs will be presented inside Nauticus and on the Battleship Wisconsin.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to compete in trivia, learn about a number of African American inventors and scientists, compete in Super Soaker Soccer, watch and experience cool science experiments, and discover African American STEM literature from the Slover Library.

We are proud to offer our visitors reduced, $7.57 general admission on Saturday, February 25th, 2023.

In addition to ongoing activities throughout the day, guests can:

  • Compete in Super Soaker Soccer, highlighting inventor Lonnie Johnson and his invention of the Super Soaker.
  • Draw blue blood from our pretend horseshoe crab and run some scientific tests as we celebrate Dr. Charles Drew, thefather of human blood banking with our activity, Banking on Blue Blood.
  • See Nauticus’ 3D printer in action and even take away their own custom printed golf tee, which was invented by LonnieJohnson.
  • DrinKicks will show their process of “From Drink to Shoe” and explain the circular economy.
  • 11 AM and 1 PM: Join Norfolk State University PHD Student, Shelite Augustusas, as she teaches us about the technologythat takes us To The Stars.
  • 12 PM and 2 PM: Make their own lightbulb and learn how Lewis Latimer’s filament improved the incandescent lightbulb.
  • 3:30 PM: Test their knowledge with our African American Inventor Trivia.To purchase tickets to African American Scientists and Inventors 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

African American Scientists and Inventors 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.