It is said this city gained its name when the Jamestown settlers, ready to abandon their colony, met Capt. Christopher Newport on the James River. The captain's ship was carrying supplies and reinforcements from England, hence "Newport's good news." The captain played a key role in the permanent settlement of Virginia, making five transatlantic voyages between 1607 and 1619.
Things to do in Newport News
Battleship Wisconsin
One of the last and largest battleships built by the U.S. Navy, this vessel was used in World War II, the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. A self-guiding tour of the main deck includes interactive exhibits depicting the history of the ship and life on board. Call (757) 664-1000 for more information.
Waterside Dr. & Boush St., Norfolk, VA 23606
Mariners' Museum
Dedicated to preserving and interpreting the heritage of the sea, the museum features some 35,000 maritime artifacts, including figureheads, scrimshaw, decorative arts, rare books, maps and navigational instruments. The Defending the Seas gallery explores the history of the U.S. Navy using re-created sections of military ships, including the ready room of an aircraft carrier and the helm section of a submarine. Other exhibits include the Chesapeake Bay Gallery, the Crabtree Collection of Miniature Ships, the Great Hall of Steam and artifacts from the USS Monitor, including the engine register, crew members' silverware and the iconic gun turret. Call (757) 664-1000 for more information.
100 Museum Dr., Newport News, VA 23606
Nauticus, The National Maritime Center
Nauticus, The National Maritime Center is at One Waterside Dr., downtown on the Elizabeth River. The Norfolk waterfront science center features more than 150 hands-on exhibits that explore the naval, economic and natural power of the sea. Visitors can feel the texture of a nurse shark's skin, touch a tornado, participate in a naval battle simulation and see digital high-definition films on a giant screen. Call (757) 664-1000 for more information.
1 Waterside Dr., Norfolk, VA 23606
The Cousteau Society
Models and artifacts from Jacques Cousteau’s marine explorations are displayed, including re-creations of the research vessels Calypso and Alcyone, diving equipment, a hovercraft and shark cages. Also featured are underwater photographs and a film presentation. Call (757) 722-9300 for more information.
710 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton, VA 23606
Virginia Living Museum
Virginia's natural heritage is explored through indoor and outdoor exhibits that highlight regional geography, geology, ecosystems, plants and animals. An elevated boardwalk winds through a 10-acre nature area, offering views of red wolves, bobcats, eagles, deer and coyotes. Interactive discovery centers invite visitors to handle natural science specimens and live animals. The Coastal Plain Gallery presents marine life from the Chesapeake Bay estuary. Call (757) 595-1900 for more information.
524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606