Renowned nautical historian and bestselling author Ian Toll will discuss the importance of the U.S. Navy in World War II and the role of Naval Station Norfolk in supporting the war effort. Toll is best known for his Pacific War Trilogy and Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the U.S. Navy, which won the Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Naval Literature.
His Pacific War Trilogy — Pacific Crucible, The Conquering Tide, and Twilight of the Gods — includes two New York Times bestsellers and has been praised by critics and military historians alike. Toll has lectured at the U.S. Naval Academy, the Pentagon, and the Naval War College, and has contributed to major publications, including the New York Times and Washington Post.
“These programs offer exceptional opportunities for our community to engage with leading scholars and understand how maritime history has shaped Virginia and our nation,” said Paula Barclay Cook, Sail250® Virginia education manager. “From the courageous journeys along the Underground Railroad’s water routes to the naval operations that changed the course of world history, these stories remain deeply relevant today.”
Both events are free and open to the public, but reservations are required due to limited seating. The Slover is located at 235 E Plume St, Norfolk, VA 23510.
The Speaker Series is part of Sail250® Virginia’s comprehensive education initiative leading up to the June 2026 festival, which will welcome over 60 tall ships and historic vessels from more than 20 countries to Norfolk and 11 other Virginia affiliate harbors.
To register and for more information about the Speaker Series and other educational programs, visit sail250virginia.com/historyeducation.
