Shipwreck Identification Project l Photographic Image Archives l Research Library l How to Access l Local History 

How old is it? Can I have it?

Shipwreck Identification Project go to top of page

Following many storms in Virginia Beach we continue to discover pieces of wooden shipwrecked vessels which are uncovered by the storm. Beach walkers from False Cape to the Lesner Bridge report these findings to the museum. If you find a piece, call us at 757-422-1587.

In October, 2003, local citizen Susan Werby reported a shipwreck ashore at Cape Henry as a result of hurricane Isabel. At the request of the museum, the Army relocated the wreck piece from the surf line to the dunes so that research could be conducted. A team of researchers from NOAA Maritime Archaeology Center headed by Dr. John D. Broadwater and the Old Coast Guard Station museum staff went to the site and measured the wreck piece and collected data. To date, the information collected suggests the vessel is a cargo schooner from the second half of the 19th Century, and was at least 100 feet in length. The Old Coast Guard Station hopes to place portions of the wreck piece in an exhibit on museum grounds to be enjoyed by our visitors.

Photographic Image Archives go to top of page


The Old Coast Guard Station holds approximately 1800 photographic images in the museum archives. The museum's extensive collection of originals and copies of photographic prints covers Princess Anne County / Virginia Beach history, United States Life-Saving / Coast Guard history, personnel and stations in Virginia, sailing vessels and shipwrecks on the Virginia coast. These images are available to researchers by appointment with the Administrator during museum business hours. The scanned images will be available for viewing on the museum's web site in the future.


Click to enlarge shipwreck photograph!

 


Research Library go to top of page

The Old Coast Guard Station holds approximately 650 volumes in the museum library. These volumes encompass nautical and maritime history, United States Life-Saving Service, United States Coast Guard and Princess Anne County / Virginia Beach history, and shipwrecks along the Virginia coast. The library is open to researchers by appointment with the Administrator during museum business hours.
 


How to Access Library and Archives go to top of page

Researchers may contact the Director or Administrator for an appointment during normal museum hours: Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM. The archives and library are normally not available on weekends.
 


Local Life-Saving/Coast Guard History go to top of page



The museum has and continues to compile individual stories of the men and their families who served at the Life-Saving / Coast Guard Stations along the coast of Virginia Beach We welcome your inquiries or stories concerning the surfmen and their families who served.

The museum has also compiled short histories of the following stations in Virginia and North Carolina: Smith Island, Cobbs Island, Cape Henry, Virginia Beach, Dam Neck Mills, Little Island, False Cape, and Wash Woods. Contact the Director with your inquiries or information.

 

 
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