On my recent trip to the IPMS conference in Hampton, Virginia, one recommendation kept coming up: “You have to visit the Mariner’s Museum.” With a few hours to spare on my final day, I took that advice—and I’m very glad I did.
Located just a short drive away in Newport News, the Mariners’ Museum is one of those rare places that feels both expansive and personal. Founded in 1930 by Archer Huntington, owner of Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, the museum was more than a philanthropic gesture—it was a bold response to the Great Depression. With ship orders drying up, Huntington kept his workforce employed by commissioning what he envisioned as “a museum and library dedicated to promoting all things nautical and maritime.” That vision still echoes today, nearly a century later.
The museum grounds are set within the 550-acre Mariners’ Park—one of the largest privately maintained parks open to the public in the country. It includes forest trails, picnic areas, and the beautiful Mariners’ Lake (formerly known as Lake Maury). Admission to the park is free, and the museum itself charges just $1—a price that feels like highway robbery given the quality and scope of what’s inside.
The building is large—90,000 square feet—and it’s packed with exhibits that span the full sweep of maritime history. For ship modelers and nautical history buffs like me, the standout highlight is undoubtedly the story of the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (formerly the Merrimack), and their legendary clash at the Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862. This was the first engagement between ironclad warships, a moment that forever changed naval warfare. The museum brings this history vividly to life through immersive exhibits, original artifacts, and a wealth of interpretive materials. But what truly sets it apart is that it doesn’t just present history—it’s still doing history.
In 2002, the turret of the Monitor was recovered from the ocean floor. Today, the museum operates the USS Monitor Center, where visitors can observe the ongoing conservation work of this iconic artifact. I stood just a few feet away from the massive cylindrical turret, now soaking in a chemical bath as part of its long restoration. Watching this process—equal parts archaeology, engineering, and patience—was unexpectedly moving. It reminded me that history is not static; it’s something we care for, preserve, and pass on.
While the ironclads might be the headline attraction, the museum also has a wide range of full and scale ship models—from merchant ships to military vessels to ocean liners. But the hidden gem for ship modelers is without a doubt the Crabtree Miniature Ships exhibit. August Crabtree, along with his wife Winnifred, spent much of his life crafting miniature ships that chart the evolution of maritime design—from ancient Egyptian reed boats to elaborate 18th-century men-of-war. The exhibit showcases about a dozen of these incredibly detailed models, each one a masterpiece of artistry and historical accuracy. The rigging, the carvings, the tiny figures—it’s all there. You could easily spend an hour just studying a single model.
A short video looping nearby (also available on YouTube, see below) provides more context about the Crabtrees’ life and work. August, who began building ship models as a child, was a self-taught craftsman who often fabricated his own tools to achieve the precision he needed. Winnifred supported the work through detailed research and finishing touches. Together, they created a remarkable body of work that continues to inspire modelers and maritime historians alike.
You’ll see some of the models in the photos below, but they barely do them justice. If you’re someone who appreciates fine modeling, this exhibit alone is worth the trip.
In short, if you’re ever in the Hampton Roads area, carve out a few hours for the Mariners’ Museum. It’s not just a place to learn about ships—it’s a place that celebrates the enduring human fascination with the sea, with craftsmanship, and with the stories that vessels carry across time.