The Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the battleship Wisconsin are a popular place for service members to have their reenlistments, commissioning, retirements or other special ceremonies. HRNM offers space in the museum and on the ship at no charge for these official ceremonies. You MUST contact the Hampton Roads Naval Museum at 757-322-3106 or email thomas.dandes@navy.mil [1] to make arrangements, or if you have questions.
The following guidelines for ceremonies are provided by The Hampton Roads Naval Museum:
Ceremonies on the Battleship Wisconsin:
Ceremonies are scheduled between 1030-1400 hours during weekdays. Ceremonies are held at the forward or aft turret. Small ceremonies that do not require set-up, are generally held at Turret #1. Other ceremonies that require set up are held aft of Turret #3. Commands are required to do all setup and breakdown. We do provide the following equipment:
150 chairs
two podiums
two flags: American and a Department of the Navy
one red carpet (10 foot section)
one bell
one table, long
one sound system that accepts CDs and tape cassettes
Please know that back-up plans for inclement weather are required. Due to the ship's mobilization status, no one (general public or military) is allowed inside the ship. Additionally, please be aware that the main deck of the ship is open to visitors at 1000 and no one will be allowed on board at an earlier time.
Museum Gallery:
Ceremonies can be done inside the museum. We recommend the Jamestown Expo exhibit area. However, the maximum capacity for this area is 20 people. We will provide a bell, an American flag, a Navy flag, a small table, and chairs for the official party.
Note that there will be occasions during which this area will not be available due to Changing Exhibits. During such times, the Battle of Hampton Roads exhibit area is the most likely alternative.
Some ceremonies have been held outside, adjacent to Nauticus in Town Point Park. This area is not under the control of Nauticus nor the HRNM.
Food & Drink:
No food, drink, gum, or smoking are allowed within the museum or on the battleship. Unfortunately, we do not provide a reception area, however, Nauticus catering and reception areas are available for a fee. For more Nauticus special events information please call 757-664-1074 or email Dana Mayo [2].
Parking:
Paid parking is available directly across from Nauticus. Handicap parking slots are available on a first come, first served basis in the front of Nauticus.
Confirmations:
Ceremony participants are required to confirm their ceremony reservations three days in advance for ceremonies not requiring set-ups such as reenlistments. Participants are required to confirm their reservations 30 days in advance for ceremonies requiring set-up services such as retirements, commissionings, and other large bookings.
Cancellations:
Please contact the military ceremony coordinator as soon as possible for cancellations! Extending this courtesy not only helps our staff tremendously, but also frees up the time slot for others.