Celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th Anniversary at Nauticus!
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Join us aboard the historic Battleship Wisconsin as we honor 250 years of the United States Navy! This special day of celebration will feature enhanced programming, hands-on activities, and unique experiences designed to commemorate the Navy’s incredible legacy and its deep connection to our community.
Explore Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin for a special admission rate of $12 per person, with FREE admission for active-duty service members and veterans as a thank-you for their service.
Event Highlights:
- Battleship Mosaic Workshop – Create your own Navy-themed mosaic and take home a special commemorative coin at 11AM or 2PM for $15 for members and $35 for non members. (Program price includes access to Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin).
- Hampton Roads Naval Museum Programs – Special crafts and activities for all ages.
- The Last Battleship Film – Special screening at 1:15 PM.
- VIP Experience & Battleship Tours – Guided tours offered every hour (for an additional fee)
- Turret Talk – Discover the firepower behind the mighty guns.
- Visit the USS Wisconsin Radio Club – Step into our main operations area, featuring a large video display, Morse code simulator, and hands-on radio stations—including functional WWII-era vacuum tube radios. Learn how we bring the USS Wisconsin to people all over the world from the O3 level on the ship.
- Naval Traditions and Ceremonies – Explore the rich traditions of the U.S. Navy through historical materials and stories of ceremonial milestones such as keel-laying, christening, and commissioning. Guests will learn about the legacy of BB-64 and the future of naval power with the new SSBN-827 submarine. Dive into maritime history with photos and hands-on insights into the life of a ship.
- Specialty Navy Merchandise – Including a brand-new commemorative coin, available starting September 26.
- And more!
Come celebrate this milestone with us and experience a day filled with history, honor, and family fun.
Tickets:
- Active-duty service members & veterans: FREE
- General public: $12 flat rate (no other discounts apply)
Schedule of Events
| 10:00am-11:30am | Knot Tying | Design, Build, Sail! (3rd floor) |
| 10:30am-11am | Turret Talk | Battleship Wisconsin |
| 11:00am | Secrets of the Sea Movie | Brock Theater (3rd Floor) |
| 11:00am-12:30pm | Naval Traditions and Ceremonies | Battleship Wisconsin Vista |
| 11:00am-11:45am | Makers Series: Mosaic | The Lab (3rd Floor) |
| 11:00am-12:00pm | Command and Control* | Battleship Wisconsin |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | Battleship 101* | Battleship Wisconsin |
| 1pm-1:30pm | Turret Talk | Battleship Wisconsin Vista |
| 1:00pm-2:00pm | Command and Control* | Battleship Wisconsin |
| 1:30pm-3:00pm | Rope Making | Design, Build, Sail! (3rd floor) |
| 2:00pm-2:45pm | Makers Series: Mosaic | The Lab (3rd Floor) |
| 2:00pm-3:00pm | Life in the Engine Room* | Battleship Wisconsin |
| 2:00pm-3:30pm | VIP Tour* | Battleship Wisconsin |
| 2:30pm-4:00pm | Naval Traditions and Ceremonies | Battleship Wisconsin Vista |
| 3:00pm-4:00pm | Command and Control* | Battleship Wisconsin |
*Guided tours available for an additional fee
