The Mariners' Museum can develop specialized programs to meet individual instructional needs.

AUDITORIUM PROGRAMS designed for large student groups are available with a discounted fee for two presentations in one day. These presentations are intended for groups of 150-300 students at a time. The fee for a single auditorium program is $200.00. The cost for two auditorium programs on the same day is $350.00.

SPECIALIZED TOURS tailored to emphasize particular aspects of the Museum's collection are also available.

TEACHER IN-SERVICES AND WORKSHOPS presented by Museum educators to assist the classroom teacher in meeting the goals of the Virginia State Standards of Learning. To arrange a specialized program or for more information, please contact The Mariners' Museum Education Department at (757) 591-7744 or (757) 591-7749.

THE MARINERS’ MUSEUM BACKPACK PROGRAM contains all you need for a self-guided walk of the Noland Trail, from information on the history of the park, plants and animals, and environmental concerns. Families, homeschoolers, and small student groups (such as Girl and Boy Scout troops, and youth groups) can test Lake Maury’s water for pollutants and record their findings, learn about the migratory birds that frequent the lake and about Virginia’s native trees. Information on preventing urban water pollution is available to take home.
Backpacks can be checked out from the Museum’s admissions desk from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily (except on days the Museum is closed), and must be returned by 4:45 p.m. the same day. The responsible party must be 18 years old or older and provide a pictured ID to be held while the backpack is in use. Users must provide their own pencils and any items they require to walk a 5-½ mile hiking trail.
Use of the backpack is free of charge thanks to the generous support from The Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund. For more information call (757) 591-7745.

SEABAG TOUR offers a self-guided, hands-on tour of the USS Monitor exhibits. Using the information in the sea bag, visitors will be able to explore the “back stories” of the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. They will discover the history of ironclad ships, the biographies of crewman, and greater details on the conservation of the artifacts. Hands-on materials are included in the sea bagto bring the exhibitions to life.

Adults and children can check out these age-specific sea bagsto use while touring the Museum. The haversack can be checked out at the Museum’s admissions desk between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The haversack is free with Museum admission. The responsible party (18 or older) will be required to leave a driver’s licenses or credit card to check the haversack out.

For questions on the sea bag program call (757) 591-7745.

BOY AND GIRL SCOUT PROGRAMS - The Mariners’ Museum offers a variety of badge programs for all troop levels. For information on badge programs please call (757) 591-7745 or email scouts@mariner.org.