A friend and I went to the Mariner's Museum in Newport News, Virginia today and had a fabulous time exploring all the exhibits featuring ships down through the ages. Of course, his main interest was the Monitor Turret... more about that later. There was so much to see and do that perhaps I need to do an entire blog on just the Monitor!! We'll see.
The place is quite impressive. There was so much that I did not get pictures of. I will have to go back. The Museum has 60,000 square feet of gallery space. No way we got to all of it today. Thanks to their website I have this picture of the museum to share with you. (I forgot to take a picture of the building. duh)
This is an enlargement of the top of the 'statue' if that's what you want to call it...out front. An early sailing vessel sitting atop a directional vane on top of a world sphere. Men were to set sail to discover new and wonderful lands.
There are so many intricately hand-constructed boat models depicting man's ability to sail around the world. So beautifully done. You'll just have to see them to believe them!!
This device caught my eye. I found out it is a Orrery and planetarium from ca. 1812. Notice the small planets revolving around the sun. The moon has a path around Earth.
A portrait of Lord Horatio Nelson
This flag flew from the Confederate ship Alabama during the Civil War. Naturally I had to take a picture of it... me being from Alabama and all that, you know!!
Two of the ship figureheads on display at the museum
Enough for today... the next post will be about the Monitor Center at the Mariner's Museum.
Wonderful! Have you seen "That Hamilton Woman" with Vivien Leigh and Lawrence Olivier as Emma Hamilton and Horatio Nelson. I know you would love it!
ReplyDeleteFound your blog I'm not sure how but enjoying your newsy posts. My husband hails from Virginia (Franconia) and his mom currently lives in Woodstock. He and I met on summer jobs at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax County in 1970. Any of those places familiar to you?
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos and an interesting post. I really enjoyed this. Have a nice Saturday.
ReplyDeleteHi Latane,what an interesting museum and quite a large one also.When i see replicas of the small wooden ships sailors set out in during previous centuries I am amazed at their bravery.
ReplyDeleteHi Latane, I've had a very busy summer with children, grandchildren, and travel. Just wanted to stop in and say "hello." Linda J. in KY
ReplyDeleteGreat post Latane - know you enjoyed the visit.
ReplyDeleteLove ships' figureheads - the guy one is unusual. That last post made me chuckle too - wouldn't go over well in today's navy....or any of the armed forces come to that. We are thankful for our brave women who work right alongside the men to protect our country.
Happy day - Mary
An interesting museum and especially for you with Elbert's time in the service. great pictures.
ReplyDeleteHugs
I don't know much about boats but that looks like an absolutely fascinating museum!
ReplyDeleteThe Mariner's Museum is fantastic! Been there twice, I think, or maybe three times. You just can't see it all in one visit, and the history is so fascinating! I hope people visiting the area will think about going to the museum. It's well worth their time! Glad you and friend had a wonderful time, Mom!
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