Highlights of The Mariners Museum and Park
- Updated on:
- Written by Robert Vaughan
Modelers Central is making a concerted effort to give information and inspiration that makes our hobby of model building even more enjoyable. One of the resources that are available to us are the many maritime based museums that exist.
We will occasionally give first hand reports of visits to as many of them as we can. Model building can involve so many different fields of interest, from history to interesting people, from engineering to aerodynamics, from art to artistry. A model can be approached from any point of view that holds your attention. My personal POV usually involves history, archaeology, and interesting people. That makes me a die-hard “Museum Rat”.
The Mariners Museum & Park in Virginia
One of my favorites is The Mariners Museum & Park, located in Newport News, Virginia. Located on 550 acres of beautiful woodlands, walking trails that follow amazing river views, and pristine areas to renew yourself. The 90,000 sq. ft. museum itself is home to more than 32,000 pieces of art, and incredible artifacts. The onsite library, best seen by appointment, is indeed one of the finest in the world.
Research is made possible, and convenient, by a staff that truly cares for the collection. A large quote residing on the entry wall states that the museum is dedicated to sharing the knowledge of the sea-going history of the United States, and making as much of it available, and cared for properly.
Highlights of the collection begin in the spacious open lobby. The 22 ft. wide, 18 ft tall 3200 lb figurehead from the U.S.S Lancaster, a magnificent spread-winged eagle, is your first, and possibly favorite, photo opportunity. Studying the figurehead from touching distance will put you in awe of the craftsmanship, and the sheer size of it!
Another outstanding example of the figurehead collection was the gift given by none other than arctic explorer, Admiral Byrd. The Barkantine Bear resides in the collection as a favorite photo-op for the Navy personnel that visit regularly.
Memorable Models
The Mariners’ Museum’s collection of models is memorable! Be sure to have enough battery power to get through everything! The world-renowned creations of model makers August and Winifred Crabtree will inspire any model builder, and impress everyone that views it.
The steamships in the collection, never my first interest before, affected my own plans for future projects. There are nearly two-thousand objects in this collection alone. They are not entirely always on public display, owing to renovations and upgrades, so if this is your biggest interest, call ahead for information.
Also included in the assemblage are builders’ models, half-models, miniature and waterline models, folk art and sailor-made models, patent, engine and models of ship’s equipment, tow-tank and experimental models.
Two of the amazing models on display are the Royal Sovereign and the French POW Boneship model. I have also written about the modeler Harold Hahn in another post, but his diorama displayed here is another DO NOT MISS display. You can literally get engrossed in hovering over it, seeing more and more detail with each pass.
The Crabtree Collection
Written in a separate post on Modelers Central is the article called The Miniature Model Ships of August Crabtree. The collection of model ships by this master are housed in their own separate, climate-controlled wing.
The Miniature Ships of August F. and Winnifred Crabtree hold a special, gold-standard in the museum. From a primitive raft to a Venetian galleass decorated with 359 carved human figures, the evolution of boatbuilding is displayed in the craftsmanship of artist/carver August F. Crabtree. With help from his wife, Winnifred, Crabtree created this extraordinary miniature fleet.
The accompanying video in the gallery tells the story of Crabtree, his ships, tools, techniques and reasons for what he created. Be prepared to sit and soak in the ambiance of this wing. It is awe-inspiring, and may require another set of batteries for your camera!
History and Artifacts of the Ironclads
A central point of interest in the museum is the history and artifacts of the Ironclads, and specifically of the U.S.S. Monitor. Artifacts from Monitor are kept at the museum’s Monitor Center .
The display makes up an extraordinary atmosphere that puts you in the ship, surrounded by the machinery that made the ship what she was. As you stand in and about them, you can feel the tension and the fear that its sailors must have certainly felt. It is almost indescribable in mere words.
The actual wing for this ship, and the age of ironclads is completely unique in its presentation, and unlike anything else ever attempted. Photographs fail attempts at pure, satisfying, description. It simply must be experienced firsthand.
The museum is also at the very forefront of displaying and restoration of the ship as recovered. Standing on a gangplank, large portions of the turret and other components are able to be seen resting in the preservation tanks where they are constantly monitored, cataloged, and prepared for display sometime in the future.
One of my favorite displays was The Modelers Shop. The museum has a highly skilled team of model builders manning this display and they are friendly, informative, and willing to talk at great length.
Key Takeaways
- The Mariners' Museum & Park in Newport News, Virginia, spans 550 acres, featuring extensive woodlands and trails alongside a 90,000 sq. ft. museum with over 32,000 maritime artifacts.
- A highlight includes a vast figurehead collection, notably a 3200 lb figurehead from the U.S.S Lancaster and artifacts from Admiral Byrd's Barkantine Bear.
- The museum houses an impressive array of models, from steamships to the Crabtree collection, showcasing miniature ships across history.
- The Ironclads exhibit, focusing on the U.S.S. Monitor, offers immersive experiences with artifacts and the Monitor Center for preservation and display.
- Admission is only $1.00, encouraging exploration and learning with helpful staff and curators available for guidance.
The Modelers Shop
There are many things of interest at the Mariners Museum and Park. It is their hope that many new friends can be made by visitors to the Newport News area. Admission is only $1.00 per person, and you are on your own to wander and explore at will. Curators and staff are onsite, and available to answer questions and give guidance.
All in all, this museum is well worth a visit at any time.
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