Look Inside Coastal Geology and Tour The Research Vessel Virginia

Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Intercontinental Washington, D.C. - The Wharf | 801 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Sponsored by W&M Batten School & VIMS

Learn what’s beneath the surface of our beaches, marshes and barrier islands with Batten School & VIMS faculty from the Coastal Geology Lab. With 40% of the world’s population living in coastal communities, understanding how the environment responds to sea-level rise, storms, warming temperatures, and sediment movement is one of the greatest needs of our time. Explore the tools and methods Professor Christopher Hein and his lab utilize to better understand the past, present, and future of our coastlines.

Following the discussion, attendees will walk to the Capital Yacht Club at The Wharf for a tour of the Batten School & VIMS’ flagship research vessel, the Virginia, with Senior Research Vessel Captain John Olney Jr. The RV/VA is the most modern, capable research vessel in its size class anywhere in the U.S. The 93-foot vessel supports Batten School & VIMS scientists in their work monitoring and studying the Chesapeake Bay and its marine life and expands the institute’s research footprint into the open waters of the coastal Atlantic from Maine to Florida.

Price: $10

Note

  • Attendees must wear closed-toe shoes on the research vessel.
  • Comfortable clothing recommended.
  • Vessel has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.


Driving notice: On Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the Armed Forces Cycling Classic will impact some roads near the Museum. For timely traffic information, please visit https://x.com/DCPoliceTraffic. The following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic:

  • Independence Avenue from 4th Street to 14th Street, SW
  • 14th Street from Independence Avenue to the 14th Street Bridge
  • 3rd Street from C Street to Independence Avenue, SW
  • 4th Street from C Street to Independence Avenue, SW
  • 6th Street from Maryland Avenue to Independence Avenue, SW
  • 7th Street from Maryland Avenue to Independence Avenue, SW
  • C Street from 7th Street SW to 9th Street, SW
  • 9th Street from C Street to Independence Avenue, SW
  • 12th Street from C Street to Independence Avenue, SW
  • 14th Street Bridge HOV lanes Inbound and Outbound
  • I-395 South express lanes
Event Schedule