THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 15, 1997 TAG: 9702150226
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY IDA KAY JORDAN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: 57 lines
Three days that changed naval warfare for all time will be celebrated March 7-9, the 135th anniversary of the Battle of Hampton Roads.
The celebration events this year coincide with the actual dates and days of the week of the confrontation between the ironclads USS Monitor and CSS Virginia in 1862.
``This probably is the last time you'll see a celebration until the 150th anniversary,'' committee chairman Marion ``Hank'' Morris said. ``This is no measly production, but we've been able to keep costs down because of volunteers.''
Morris said about $250,000 has been donated in time and services by those who are planning and participating in three days of activities.
John M. Coski, historian and librarian for the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, will speak on ``The Battle of the Ironclads'' at a banquet at the Dry Dock Club at the Naval Shipyard, 6:30 p.m. March 8. Coski has written or co-authored a number of books and articles, including ``Four Centuries of Southern Experience.''
The weekend activities will begin at 7 p.m. March 7, with a reception at Trinity Episcopal Church.
An all-day symposium is scheduled for March 8 at Trinity church. Speakers will include:
Capt. William R. Klemm, commander of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, speaking on ``Gosport Naval Shipyard at the Time of the Battle,'' 11 a.m.
Alan Flanders, assistant chief of staff for public affairs of the training command of the Atlantic Fleet, speaking on ``The CSS Virginia and Her Crew,'' 11 a.m.
John V. Quarstein, administrator of museums and historical services, Newport News, speaking on ``The USS Monitor and Her Crew,'' 1 p.m.
Joseph M. Judge, curator of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, Norfolk, speaking on ``The USS Cumberland and USS Congress,'' 2 p.m.
Albert F. Harris, coordinator of City of Portsmouth Museums, speaking on ``The First Day's Battle,'' 3 p.m.
An authentic 1862 worship service at Trinity church will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 9.
On Sunday afternoon, the waterfront just outside the shipyard will be transformed into an 1862 portrait by re-enactors who will follow daily routines as they might have conducted 135 years ago. Mock battles of the ironclads by replicas of the famous ships will be staged at 1, 2 and 3 p.m., and will be visible from First Street between City Hall and Trophy Park at the Naval Shipyard.
Also on Sunday afternoon, Trophy Park and the art exhibit at Trinity Parish Hall will be open.
Tickets cost $10 for the reception, $15 for the symposium and $25 for the banquet, or $43 for all three. Other events are free. Proceeds will be used to continue restoration of Cedar Grove Cemetery in Norfolk. Tickets are available at Miss PittyPat's, Pfeiffer's Books and Cards, and the 1846 Courthouse gift shop, all on High Street in Olde Towne. Tickets also may be charged to a credit card by calling (800) 748-7921. For information, call Morris at 488-1397.