156th anniversary this weekend

The Mariners’ Museum and Park is the site of festivities this weekend for the commemoration of the 156th anniversary of the Battle of the Ironclads. The museum is celebrating the battle with a weekend full of family-friendly activities, special events, lectures, and more. The battle proved the supremacy of iron to wood when the Union ironclad USS Monitor fought the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia to a draw. This year, in addition to the battle itself, the weekend will focus on technology in the Civil War. 

This Friday, March 9, from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Sip and Sculpt event, guests can enjoy a glass of their favorite adult beverages while creating their own iron-cast molds. The molds are turned into a work of art using traditional iron-casting techniques during iron pour demonstrations throughout the weekend. Space is limited. Ticket prices are $50 for guests, $35 for members and can be purchased online. 

On Saturday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m., join the celebration with History Bites, a Steampunk-themed food tasting event. Hampton Roads’ top restaurants, caterers, and culinary schools will prepare their best interpretations of 19th-century dishes, representing both the North, the South and the Navy. Cooks will compete for the coveted Cast-Iron Skillet Awards, including People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice. Tickets are $35 for non-members, $30 for museum members and $45 day of the event and can be purchased online. Dress in your finest Steampunk garb or come in casual dress. 

Activities are scheduled both inside of the museum and outside on Saturday and Sunday that include re-enactors, cannon firing, a visit with Abraham Lincoln and hand-cranked ice cream USS Monitor replica. The Mariners’ Museum is located at 100 Museum Drive in Newport News. For more information visit the Battle of Hampton Roads web page.