The Mariners Museum in Newport News, Virginia hosted a Civil War Navy Conference in early March to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Hampton Roads, when for the first time, ironclads battled during the Civil War. In this battle, the Union ship, the USS Monitor, faced off with the Confederate ship, the CSS Virginia, in 1862.
David Mindell talked about his book Iron Coffin: War, Technology, and Experience aboard the USS Monitor. Topics included the interface of men and technology and the experience of the crew aboard one of the first ironclads. He showed slides during his presentation and responded to questions from members of the audience.