Happy 65th Birthday Battleship Wisconsin

On April 16th, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum celebrated the 65th birthday of Battleship Wisconsin in style! HRNM Educators planned a variety of family fun activities for museum and ship visitors.

One of the highlights of the day was a visit from WWII Reenactor Jim Callear, who entertained guests young and old with a mock WWII US Navy enlistment activity in the Battle of the Atlantic Gallery (pictured left). Jim and his fellow recruiters also brought a variety of period uniforms, literature, and posters. Needless to say, many guests were impressed with the activity. Look for Jim and his colleagues to visit HRNM this summer.

For the younger guests, HRNM Educators conducted its annual Sail Through the Navy program in honor of the battleship's birthday. Each participating guest recieved a "passport" and completed four different kid friendly activities on board Wisconsin. When all four activities were finished and stamped, guests received a spin on a prize wheel. Throughout the day, there were over 120 participants in this event. HRNM Educators and interns plan to conduct "Sail Through the Navy" every friday this summer.

The other activity for guests on April 16th was a coloring station where birthday cards for the Wisconsin were made. The cards were all impressive, but here are some of the best that the Educators recieved throughout the day.

Thank you to all visitors who made Battleship Wisconsin's 65th birthday a big success! Stay posted for more updates on educational programs and activities for the summer. As always, the Naval Museum and its educational programming are all free and open to the public.

-HRNM EDUCATION