1861 Officer Commission Document

All officers of the United States Armed Forces have a clause in their commissioning papers that they "serve at the pleasure of the President of the United States" (as opposed to enlisted sailors who serve according to terms set forth in an enlistment contract). Back in the 19th century, U.S. Naval officers got their commission paper personally signed by the President. Every time a new Administration took over, an officer would get a new document, hand signed by the new President.

In the museum's collections are the commission papers of Rear Admiral William Talbot Truxtun, grandson of the famous Commodore Thomas Truxtun.  This special collection includes his papers with the signature of every President  from John Tyler to Chester Arthur. 

William was one of eight grandsons who followed in their grandfather's career steps and among them, he had among the more distinguished careers. He served in the Navy, mainly in Hampton Roads, from 1841 until his death in 1885 and saw frequent combat during the American Civil War. Shown here is Truxtun's commission signed by Abraham Lincoln.

Operation Holiday Cheer 2009

Every year, museum visitors young and old alike send glad tidings to Sailors and Marines who are deployed during the holiday season. The Education Dept. at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum selects one ship every year for distribution. This year, the guided-missile frigate USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG-29) was chosen. Beginning on 13 November, children and families visiting the museum used various materials such as markers, construction paper, and glue to creatively produce beautiful, thoughtful, and festive cards.

There were over 250 cards made by museum guests this year, and nearly 500 cards made by students at Camp Allen Elementary School in Norfolk, VA. Thanks again to Jennifer Rascoe at Camp Allen Elementary for your appreciated participation. These cards will be distributed to the brave men and women of the USS Stephen W. Groves over the holidays.

We would like to personally thank all the families who participated in the event, and hope to see you again at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum very soon!

- HRNM Education

Naval Supply Depot Norfolk-New Web Module

A new web module on the history of the Naval Supply Depot Norfolk is now online at http://www.hrnm.navy.mil/navysupplydepot/index.htm.

The module is part of a programmatic agreement with the State Historic Preservation Officer of Virginia, Commander, Navy Region, Mid-Atlantic (the regional shore command that oversees installions in Hampton Roads), and the museum.

Now called Fleet Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Norfolk, the Depot was one of the largest distributors of war supplies during both World Wars. The module highlights achievements of the Depot during the first half of the 20th century.