Alexandria Marina Ships In History and Fun
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
For the waterfront in Alexandria, it’s about time for a lesson. A history lesson, that is. Starting October 4th, a new vessel will be coming to town and bringing its educational implications with it.
Make room in the marina. Godspeed's a-coming. /Photo courtesy of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
The Godspeed, a life-size replica of one of the 17th century ships that first brought English colonists to Virginia, is departing its port at Jamestown Settlement with its sails set toward Northern Virginia. From October 4th to 9th, the Godspeed will be docked at the north end of the Alexandria Marina and open for public tours.
Ever wanted to learn more about that historical journey in 1607 and life on the open seas? Knowledgeable guides will be on deck to share interesting tidbits about everything from navigation to sailing techniques in the 17th century.
Fun fact about the Godspeed: Mr. Bartholomew Gosnold was the fearless captain that led the original journey across the sea, as well as a key player in organizing backing for the Jamestown colony.
Even our fourth grade students in Alexandria Public Schools will be partaking in this hands-on learning experience by taking visits to the ship throughout the school week.
Along with the Susan Constant and the Discovery, the Godspeed is one of the ships dubbed “the official fleet of the Commonwealth,” according to the Virginia General Assembly. Kind of like the Air Force One of the sea.
Below are the times the ship is open for exploring:
October 4-7: 3 to 6 p.m.
October 8: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
October 9: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Kudos to the Jamestown Settlement, a state-operated museum that’s helping to keep Virginia’s past alive and well, and to the staff and volunteers at the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation for manning the ship. Tours are free and the Godspeed will be only be gracing us with its presence briefly so visit while you can.
Dates: October 4-9, 2011
Location: Alexandria Waterfront, by Founders Park (near North Union & Queen St.)
Cost: free
Contact info:
Jamestown Settlement
(888) 593-4682 or (757) 253-4838
www.historyisfun.org
- Lorin Drinkard
Tags: Air Force One, Alexandria, Alexandria hidden treasure, Alexandria marina, Godspeed, hidden treasure, hidden treasures in Northern Virginia, historical fun, history, Jamestown, Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Lorin Drinkard, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA hidden treasure, nova mag, sailing, The Game Plan, things to do in Alexandria, Things to do in Northern Virginia, Treasure Tuesday, Virginia General Assembly