Presenter: Erika Cosme, content and interpretation developer at The Mariners’ Museum

About the presentation: USS Monitor and CSS Virginia may be revolutionary ships. Neither was the first ironclad constructed, nor was the United States the first country to consider such a vessel. The concept of an ironclad ship dates back centuries before, and many were built and saw action before the culminating event called Battle of Hampton Roads. Beginning with the earliest notion of an ironclad and moving into the mid-19th century, this program will introduce why they were created, how they evolved, and their impact on naval advancement worldwide.

Viewers are welcome to send Erika any comments or questions to the presenters, and she will answer following the presentation.