NEWPORT NEWS — Newport News Tourism announced the opening of the Newport News Shipyard Experience, which explores the history and work of Newport News Shipbuilding and its impact on modern Newport News.
The all-weather immersive exhibit, located temporarily at Newport News City Hall, provides a historical timeline of the shipyard and its contributions to the city, and reveals the deep-rooted connections between shipyard founder Collis P. Huntington, the Huntington family, and the City of Newport News.
Plans are for the exhibit to eventually move to the soon-to-be-opened James River Strand.
According to the city, Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, plays a crucial role in supporting and enhancing its quality of life and economic stability. As the largest employer on the Peninsula, it significantly contributes to the community’s well-being, economic development, and overall prosperity, it said.
The city notes the business also engages in numerous philanthropic activities, including being a founding sponsor of the One City Marathon.
“This installation is a powerful tribute to the synergy and impact of the Shipyard,” explained Cleder Jones, Director of Communications and Tourism. “As you walk into the exhibit you can feel the connectivity and pride we have in being a city of builders for generations. We have truly accomplished our mission here, to showcase how together we build, work, and live in this great City.”
Those unable to visit the exhibit at City Hall can explore elements of it through an online story map. The self-paced journey features 10 key sites in Newport News, including the shipyard’s first vessel, the Tugboat Dorothy, and its famed Apprentice School, according to the city. The story map combines location data with photos and text, offering a virtual tour complete with descriptions, links, and addresses to sites that reflect the Huntington family’s influence.
Additionally, plans are underway to introduce a complementary trolley tour featuring significant sites throughout Newport News that are tied to the shipyard, said Desiree McDaniel, Newport News Tourism Manager.
“The Shipyard Experience capitalizes on visitor interest, offering a unique perspective on the story of Newport News. We plan to prominently feature and promote it as part of our broader Newport News tourism experiences!” she said.
To see The Shipyard Experience exhibit, head to Newport News City Hall at 2400 Washington Ave. in downtown Newport News or click here to explore the story map.
