The Steamboat Era Museum in Irvington invites everyone to celebrate Steamboat Era Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 14. Admission will be free on September 14, and from noon-4 p.m. ice cream treats will be served.
In 2009 the General Assembly of Virginia passed a resolution to designate September 14 as Steamboat Era Day in Virginia. The resolution states in part:
Whereas, from 1813 to 1937, the Chesapeake steamboats carried not only passengers, but all kinds of goods from the international ports of Baltimore and Norfolk to towns all along the rivers, spreading commerce and trade throughout the Northern Neck and the Commonwealth; and
Whereas, the docking of steamboats brought out throngs of townspeople, and local farmers and merchants traded their livestock, produce and goods for new products and luxury items from the big cities for their customers; and
Whereas, the Steamboat Era Museum in Irvington is dedicated to collecting and preserving artifacts and glorious history and significance of the Steamboat Era on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for the enjoyment and education of Virginians, especially young people, and visitors from across the country and abroad; now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Delegates concurring, that the General Assembly designate September 14, in 2009 and in each succeeding year, as Steamboat Era Day in Virginia.
The museum opened its doors in 2004. Through the years exhibits about the steamboat era and its importance to the Northern Neck have been mounted. In May 2019 the keystone to the museum’s exhibits, the Pilothouse from the Steamer Potomac was installed in the museum along with all new exhibits. The Potomac was built in 1894. In addition to celebrating Steamboat Era Day the museum is celebrating the 125th birthday of the Potomac pilothouse, the largest remaining piece of a Chesapeake Bay steamboat in existence.
The museum is located at 156 King Carter Drive, Irvington. Call 438-6888 or visit steamboateramuseum.org for more information.
