Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend Recap

CWN 150 Bloggers Unite! (Matthew Eng, Sarah Adler, Craig Swain, Seaman Rob)

Although we have already posted several posts on this past weekend's Battle of Hampton Roads festivities, I would be hard pressed if I didn't say a few words to wrap up the fantastic event.

NHHC Director Jay Deloach at Descendant's Breakfast

From start to finish, the Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend (March 8-11) was a success.  Beginning with My Hayley's talk on the Treason of Mary Louvestre and ending with the final talk I had the pleasure to give with Anna Holloway on the Civil War in Public Memory, the event was marvelous.  Everything in between: the descendant's breakfast, the reenactors, the living history day crafts and activities - all of it was fantastic.

Unveiling of Monitor Facial Reconstruction

Above all, I was most impressed with the interest from visitors coming to visit the HRNM booth.  It warms my heart to see the hard work put into this commemoration is paying off - either for this commemoration, museums like HRNM and the Mariners', or for enthusiastic individuals who do amazing work online and in print like Craig Swain and Laura June Davis. 

The talks I attended were great.  To be honest, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum booth was swamped.  The only talks that I went to were Dr. Holzer's great discussion of Civil War art on Friday night and the ones HRNM staff presented at.  Either way, fellow blogger Seaman Rob can fill you in with that information from previous posts.

Laura Orr talks with visitors

I want to personally thank Anna Holloway for all her kind words this weekend.  The Mariners' Museum has been a wonderful ally and friend in getting the word spread that the Civil War Navy matters.  For new individuals we met this weekend - welcome.  It is a pleasure to meet you.

This commemoration, no matter what somebody might tell you otherwise, is yours.  It is up to YOU the readers and followers of Civil War history to pass the torch and keep the conversation going.  Without your help, the information provided here or other sites set up in commemoration of the war will all be for nothing.  We are all here to provide you with the most up to date information on events and activities surrounding the Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial.  We clearly saw this weekend that the message is out there and you are responding - we had over 800 people come up to our booth (Hampton Roads Naval Museum) and take our literature, admire the Monitor and Virginia LEGOs, and just talk and interact with us. 

So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for reading this blog and keeping the fire alive.  Let's keep the momentum going.  Tell somebody about the site, talk about Civil War history, visit a maritime/naval museum, or just remember that you were a huge part in the memory of the 150th anniversary just by remaining an active member of the public perception of this country's most trying time.

Full Speed Ahead,

Me, Gideon Welles, and Seaman Rob

Matthew T. Eng
Coordinator
Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial