In 1862, the unthinkable happened. America lost its ironclad naval marvel, the USS Monitor, not to enemy fire, but to a stormy Atlantic.

Thanks to private and public support, the Monitor was located in 1973 off the coast of Cape Hatteras, and designated the country's first National Marine Sanctuary in 1975 to help protect her remains. In recent years, recovery crews have retrieved many important artifacts, including the famed gun turret and engine, which will be displayed at The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News once conservation efforts are complete.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to protecting and keeping this important piece of American history alive. Bringing these artifacts to the surface is only the beginning of a costly and time consuming conservation process.

Your support is critical to maintain the vital work of preservation. If we don’t act now, we risk losing these priceless treasures forever. With your generous contribution, we can secure the Monitor's future.