The Hampton Roads Naval Museum contains a detailed

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum contains a detailed model of the USS G.W. Parke Custis. The balloon boat was used by Union forces for the first time on November 11, 1861, when Thaddeus Lowe conducted an aerial observation of Confederate positions from the vessel. This observation paved the way for the US Navy’s present use of air and an element of sea power. The model in the museum’s gallery was built by Floyd Hudson, and was presented to the Truxton-Decatur Museum in 1961. The model was eventually presented to the museum courtesy of The Naval Historical Foundation. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [email protected] or at (757) 322-3018. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [email protected] or at (757) 322-2992. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [email protected] or call (757) 322-3106. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released)