Behind the Scenes of the Mariners’ Museum and Conservation Tour

Behind the Scenes of the Mariners’ Museum and Conservation Tour

Join Lifetime Learning for a behind-the-scenes tour of The Mariners' Museum. Through guided tours with conservators and docents, participants will have a unique opportunity to tour the USS Monitor Center and conservation labs. We will learn about the historical record of this Civil War battleship and how the center is preserving the artifacts.

Docents will also lead us through museum galleries, including artifacts of naval history, marine photography, international small craft, the miniature ships of August F. and Winnifred Crabtree, and the catamaran that sailed in the 2013 America’s Cup.

Over lunch, William Hoffman, the director of conservation and chief conservator, will talk to us about the field of conservation and how he leads the department at the museum.

For those interested in learning about conservation and maritime and civil war history, this is a day for you. This program requires extensive walking and standing. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended. Masks are suggested at all times unless eating or drinking. Registration closes on April 5 at 11:30 PM EDT.

Speaker Biographies

Howard Hoege III, President and CEO, The Mariners’ Museum and Park

Howard Hoege graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1994 and started his career in the US Army. While still serving, Hoege attended UVA’s School of Law and served six years in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Following his military service, Hoege returned to UVA to serve as the Director of Admissions and the Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. After leaving UVA, Hoege founded 3H3 Leadership, LLC, a consulting firm with corporate and non-profit clients. In 2016, Hoege became President and CEO of The Mariners’ Museum and Park.

William Hoffman, Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator, The Mariners’ Museum and Park

William Hoffman holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Fine Arts at the State University of New York College at Buffalo and a master’s degree in Art Conservation from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, specializing in the conservation of objects. Hoffman has worked at The Mariners’ Museum and Park since 2009 focusing on the conservation of archaeological metals recovered from the wreck site of the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor. During his tenure at the institution, his research interests have encompassed the evaluation of cleaning and stabilization methods for archaeological iron materials, the disassembly of composite artifacts, and the study of 19th century metal casting and steam engine technologies. Presently, he holds the position of Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator, overseeing all conservation-related activities.

Agenda