Saturday, July 4, 2026 | 12PM
Did you know Navy ships have a set of flags used to communicate with other vessels? Come experience what it is like to communicate using the International Code of Signals and signal flags on the Battleship Wisconsin.
Program included in general admission!
Did you know 97% of Atlantic Sturgeon spawn in the exact same river they were born in? Would you also be surprised to find out that they navigate their way back to their home rivers by using their sense of smell! Come join us here at Nauticus for “Smell Like A Sturgeon”, an interactive floor program that tests your sense of smell to see if you have what it takes to sniff your way home like the Atlantic Sturgeon.
Smell Like A Sturgeon activity is included in general admission.
Climb aboard Schooner Virginia and set sail for a family-friendly pirate adventure on the Elizabeth River during PirateFest!
Experience the thrill of sailing aboard Virginia’s official tall ship as our crew hoists the sails and the wind carries you along Norfolk’s historic waterfront. Young pirates and seasoned sailors alike are invited to lend a hand, learn about life aboard a traditional schooner, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind morning on the water.
Bring a packed lunch and make a day of it! Enjoy your meal on deck while taking in views of the harbor, passing vessels, and the Downtown Norfolk skyline. Come aboard, embrace your inner pirate, and experience Norfolk from the deck of a historic tall ship!
Boarding begins at 9:45 AM. Sail will last until 12PM.
$40 for children 5-12 | $50 per adult (purchase includes access to Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin)
No children under the age of 5 permitted.
Set sail with us for Pirate School on Saturday, July 25th during Nauticus’ PirateFest, where young buccaneers will learn to talk like a true pirate, practice with their trusty wooden pistols, and hunt for hidden treasure!
It’s the perfect adventure training camp for future swashbucklers. Recommended for ages 3–10.
Price: $5 per child
Sessions:
10:30AM – 11AM
12:30PM – 1PM
2:30PM – 3PM
Special Display | The WAVES of WWIILearn about the service of the USN WAVES in WWII through the story of Barbara G. Kelley Drolet.
During World War II, women were barred from serving in the regular armed forces but special reserves branches were founded that opened the door for female servicemembers to serve their country in a variety of roles both at home and overseas. Learn about the women’s reserves branch of the US Navy, the WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service), and explore the service of Barbara G. Kelley (Drolet) who served with the WAVES during WWII.
Norfolk Historical Society Monthly Lecture Series: TBD
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
The MacArthur Memorial is proud to host the Norfolk Historical Society’s Louis Guy Lecture Series every second Wednesday of each month. These lectures are free and open to the public!
Join the Norfolk Historical Society every second Wednesday of the month for a free, public lecture on Norfolk and Hampton Roads’ history.
More details to come.
For more information, please visit the Norfolk Historical Society’s website: https://norfolkhistoricalsociety.wildapricot.org/
Special Display | Beginnings: Images of Occupied Japan
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
This rotating collection of prints by US Army photographer Nicholas Orzio portray the drastic changes experienced by Japan in the immediate years following World War II.
This exhibit presents a rotating set of photographs taken by Nicholas Orzio of the 71st Signal Service Battalion attached to General Headquarters (GHQ) in Tokyo. His service took him across the country from 1948-1949, and his photographs dramatically portray the story of tremendous change during Japan’s recovery from total defeat following WWII.
More details to come.
The City of Norfolk and Norfolk Public Schools are partnering with community organizations for Unity in the Community: Back 2 School Celebration!
This fun-filled event includes backpack and school supply distribution, health screenings and immunizations, raffle prizes, community resources and more.
Open to Norfolk pre-school, elementary, middle and high school students.
Cash prizes for Best in Show Winners
$10 Entry fee
Open to all artists
Classes also available prior to event!
Meet at Plot at 11:00 a.m. – Paint until 3:00 p.m. – Reception and Wet Sale 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.