Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

10/17/2026

🌙 Artifact of the Day

Take a step back in time with this postcard showing High Street in Portsmouth at night, circa 1910. Beneath a moonlit sky, streetcars, horses and buggies, and bicycles fill the street as people make their way toward the ferry.

High Street has changed quite a bit over the past century, but it remains an important part of Portsmouth’s story and connection to the Elizabeth River. How different would this view look today?

📜 What details can you spot in this historic view?

10/16/2026

10/13/2026

⚓️ Happy Birthday to the U.S. Navy!

Today, October 13, we celebrate the birthday of the United States Navy, established by the Continental Congress in 1775.

For more than 250 years, the Navy has played an important role in our nation’s history, and its story is deeply connected to Portsmouth and the Elizabeth River. From shipbuilding and repairs at Norfolk Naval Shipyard to the generations of sailors and shipyard workers who have called Portsmouth home, the Navy has helped shape our community for centuries.

Join us in celebrating the U.S. Navy and all those who have served!

Happy Birthday, Navy! ⚓️

10/10/2026

Did you know?

Norfolk Naval Shipyard was originally called Gosport Shipyard!

It was named after Gosport, England, a historic naval town across the harbor from Portsmouth, England, by Andrew Sprowle in 1767.

After the Civil War, the U.S. Navy officially renamed the installation the Norfolk Navy Yard which eventually became Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

Want to learn more about the history of the shipyard? Visit the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, now open Wednesdays-Sundays 10am-4pm.

Image: Navy Yard, Gosport, engraving by J. O. Montalant, c. 1845, courtesy of University of Virginia Special Collections

10/07/2026

Then & Now! ⚓

In 1963, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum opened its doors for the first time, welcoming visitors to explore Portsmouth’s rich maritime and naval history.

More than 60 years later, the museum continues to share those stories with visitors from near and far! While the building may look a little different, our mission remains the same: preserving and sharing Portsmouth’s connection to the sea, shipbuilding, and the people who shaped its history.

What a difference 60+ years can make! Come visit us and experience Portsmouth’s maritime history for yourself. ⚓

📸 Then: Opening Day, 1963
📸 Now: The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum today

Images courtesy of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

09/30/2026

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum reopens today, Wednesday, September 30. We look forward to welcoming you back to explore Portsmouth’s rich naval history!

09/27/2026

A duck is getting ready for the reopening of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum this week!

🔎 Use the clue in the post to find the duck at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum and come back on Wednesday to visit the exhibits inside!

09/24/2026

⚓ On This Day in History ⚓

On September 24, 1960, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was launched at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. The world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Enterprise was a groundbreaking achievement in naval engineering and technology.

Known as “Big E,” Enterprise went on to serve the U.S. Navy for more than 50 years, becoming one of the most decorated ships in American naval history.

The ship’s story is also part of Hampton Roads’ rich naval heritage. From its construction in Newport News to its service and maintenance throughout its long career, Enterprise represents the region’s enduring connection to the U.S. Navy and the people who build, operate, and maintain the fleet.

09/22/2026

A rubber duck has taken up residence at a Portsmouth Museum. The only question is: where? 🔎

Every day in September, a new rubber duck will be tucked away somewhere at a participating Portsmouth Museum. Watch our social media for clues, explore the featured museum, and see if you can find it before it’s gone.

🦆Find the duck, and you can take it home. Missed it? Check back tomorrow - there’s always a new duck to discover.

🏛️ 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐬:
• Children's Museum of Virginia
• Lightship Portsmouth Museum
• Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center
• Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
• Portsmouth Colored Community Library Museum