“We are thrilled to host such a unique event aboard the USS Yorktown,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “The SAL Home Run Derby offers a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase our spectacular view of the Charleston Harbor while also celebrating our national pastime and our nation’s naval heritage.  We’re sure that players and fans will have a great time. The RiverDogs have become recognized for their fan-friendly marketing of events. They are always fun and I think it’s a great partnership.”

Both locations are expected to challenge the all-star players, with varying winds prevailing on the flight deck of the YORKTOWN and pitcher-friendly wind conditions at Riley Park.

The 10 Home Run Derby competitors – five from the Northern Division and five from the Southern Division – will take their 10 swings in an inflatable batting cage on the flight deck.  A total of four players will compete in the final round.

The RiverDogs have hired kayakers and personnel on jet skis to retrieve the balls hit into Charleston Harbor and no sea life will be disturbed.

Tickets for the All-Star Game are now on sale at the RiverDogs’ Box Office at 843/577-DOGS (3647) and online at www.riverdogs.com.

“D-Day and the Battle of Midway were two turning points in the war and marked some of our nation’s defining moments in military history,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “We hope residents will visit the Main Library at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 3 to learn more about D-Day and Patriots Point at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 4 to observe a panel discussion about the Battle of Midway with survivors from the historic battle and the region’s top military commanders.”

Both events are free and open to the public.

“The Americans on D-Day:” A Film Screening and Discussion – Sunday, June 3 at 2:30 p.m.

On June 3, Charleston County Public Library will host a film screening and informative discussion of “The Americans on D-Day.”

The invasion of Normandy marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany.  With Allied boots on the ground in France, Hitler’s fortress Europe would collapse in less than a year.  The film, written and directed by Richard Lanni, re-lives the day of days from the perspective of a single combat man and visits the sites of major actions.

Following the film, Lanni will join panelists in a discussion of the significance of this battle from a tactical military perspective and in terms of World War II as a whole.

Patriots Point Symposium Explores Battle of Midway: 70 Years Later – Monday, June 4 at 11 a.m.

On June 4, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will join with Americans across the nation in observing the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. As the Lowcountry’s leading site for naval and maritime history, the museum will host “The Battle of Midway: 70 Years Later.”

Moderated by veteran journalist Warren Pepper, this educational program will begin at 11 a.m. on June 4 in the USS YORKTOWN’s Smokey Stover Theatre and will provide residents with an opportunity to learn about this historic battle, which marked a turning point in World War II. The symposium is hosted by the Patriots Point Institute of History and Science and is free and open to the public.

A special video will be shown to provide the history and significance of the historic battle. The video will include comments from Bill Roy, a photographer aboard the original YORKTOWN (CV-5) and Battle of Midway survivor. An exhibit has been created to showcase some of Mr. Roy’s photography of the battle.

A discussion will follow the video, with remarks by panelists, including Battle of Midway survivor, CAPT (Ret.) John Hancock, a gunner aboard the USS YORKTOWN (CV-5). CAPT Hancock will share his personal memories and experiences from the harrowing battle and the events that led up to ultimate sinking of the YORKTOWN (CV-5).

Additional panelists include top military commanders in the region, as well as experts on the Battle of Midway:

• Col. Brian Murtha, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort
• CAPT Thomas Bailey, Deputy Commander, Joint Base Charleston
• Col. Michael Cederholm, Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group 31, MCAS Beaufort
• Dr. Kyle Sinisi, Associate Professor of History, The Citadel

Panel discussion will explore naval strategies and their effects on the outcome of this battle – from both the perspectives of the United States and Japan. In addition, leaders will investigate whether a similar battle could take place in the present day.

This symposium is the third in Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum’s WWII 70^th anniversary series, “Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”  It is being offered in conjunction with the museum’s special Piccolo Spoleto exhibit, Art and Music in Times of War. This exhibit will be on display from May 25 – June 10 and will feature several original pieces of art focusing on the Battle of Midway.

This famous image taken during the Battle of Midway by Bill Roy shows the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown (CV-5) shortly after she was hit by three Japanese bombs on June 4, 1942.

For $10/person, guests will enjoy live music as well as a spectacular front row seat to the fireworks display which will be shot from a barge in the Charleston Harbor. Guests on the Flight Deck will also enjoy a special opportunity to tour the USS YORKTOWN after-hours and special access to food and beverage, which will be available for purchase on the ship. Tickets are limited, and will not be sold in advance. Arrive early on July 4 and celebrate America’s independence in style!

For those who wish to remain landside, fireworks will be visible from the parking lot at no charge to the public (aside from parking fees). Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Please note that a $10 parking fee will provide all day parking at all Patriots Point parking lots.

With generous support from:

This free event, sponsored by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and South Carolina Department of Employment and Work Force, will take place aboard the USS YORKTOWN May 17 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. It will feature a job fair with more than 85 employers represented and a VA health and benefits fair to provide information to veterans and their families.

Veterans and their families will also enjoy free tours of the USS Yorktown.

“We are proud to host this annual event aboard ‘The Fighting Lady’ once again,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “At Patriots Point, our mission is to honor those who served; and the ‘Welcome Home’ event, sponsored by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and SC Department of Employment and Work Force, provides valuable information and support for the men and women who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our nation.”

“Our Welcome Home is an excellent opportunity for the VA and the community to thank all of our Veterans for serving their country and welcome home our returning service members,” Scott Isaacks, acting director of the Ralph H. Johnson VAMC, said in a statement.

The Ralph H. Johnson VAMC reported that in 2011, more than 260 Veterans participated in the event along with an unprecedented 75 employers, area college representatives and community organizations from around the Lowcountry offering information about job and education opportunities.

To donate or volunteer for Welcome Home call (843) 789-7230 or email vhachavavs@va.gov.

On Wednesday, May 2, the SyFy Channel’s “Ghost Hunters” team dedicated an hour-long episode to investigating whether the spirits of past heroes are still on duty aboard the USS YORKTOWN. The crew from TAPS [The Atlantic Paranormal Society], including Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, spent several nights aboard the USS YORKTOWN. During this time, the ship was closed to the public – there were no overnight campers or hosted events, only Patriots Point security was allowed on the property, and all power to the ship was completely shut off.

TAPS Founder, Jason Hawes, said, “Not only did we catch some of the most compelling evidence I believe we have ever caught and the most intense experiences all team members have encountered in a long time, but it is also known as a hotspot for the very things we seek, “the paranormal.”

Read more about their visit to the USS YORKTOWN.

Are the spirits of past heroes still on duty aboard the USS YORKTOWN?  Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum invites you to tune into a special hour-long episode of the SyFy Channel’s “Ghost Hunters” on Wednesday, May 2 at 9 p.m., where you’ll have an opportunity to decide for yourself.

“We hold the men who served and died aboard the USS YORKTOWN in the highest esteem and we would never, ever do anything to disrespect their service.” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette.  “While we were intrigued at the notion of paranormal activity aboard ‘The Fighting Lady,’ our first priority was to make certain that any investigation was handled in a manner that was respectful of the service and sacrifice of the men who served aboard her. After much consideration and research, we were confident that the Ghost Hunters team would treat the YORKTOWN and her crew with great respect. The TAPS crew [The Atlantic Paranormal Society] was absolutely wonderful, and displayed great patriotic respect throughout the filming.”

The crew from TAPS, including Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, spent several nights aboard the USS YORKTOWN in early February.  During this time, the ship was closed to the public – there were no overnight campers or hosted events, only Patriots Point security was allowed on the property, and all power to the ship was completely shut off.

“Over the years, we have received a number of reports of unexplainable noise, sightings and activities from visitors to our ship, employees and area law enforcement officers,” added Burdette.  “I can’t divulge whether or not TAPS found anything; but I can tell you that their staff said their visit provided some of the most compelling evidence they’ve seen in the history of the program.  We hope everyone in South Carolina will tune in to watch.”

“We are excited to partner with the Piccolo Spoleto Festival to share the ‘softer side’ of “The Fighting Lady,’” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “Although artists’ renderings and models of war ships and their weapons are not commonly on display in art galleries, they are true works of art.  The display, ‘Art and Music in Times of War,’ will provide a special opportunity for us to showcase some of our most valuable artifacts for a limited time – including Steichen photographs, original work by Raymond Massey and Carl Evers, and the life-size portrait of General George S. Patton made famous by the movie Patton.”

Edward Steichen was a photographer for the Condé Nast magazines Vogue and Vanity Fair from 1923–1938.  He served as a member of the American Photographic Division in France during WWI and offered expert guidance in all matters of aerial photography.  During WWII, he served as the Director of the United States Naval Photographic Institute. Steichen is widely recognized as one of the most famous photographers in the history of American art.

Raymond Massey is an artist, known for his meticulous recreations of significant marine historical events.  He was named a “fellow” in the American Society of Marine Artists and his art hangs in some of the most prestigious museum and corporate collections in America.

Carl Evers distinguished himself as one of the finest marine artists of the twentieth century.  His ability to capture water in motion and attention to detail gave his paintings a vibrancy that few artists could rival.

In addition to the artwork on display, Patriots Point will host two special events that are open to the public. 

282^ND U.S. ARMY BAND PERFORMANCE AT PATRIOTS POINT
On Sunday, May 27 at 2 p.m., Patriots Point will present an inspiring concert from the popular 282^nd U.S. Army Band based at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, SC. The band frequently performs for the public; and its repertoire includes Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Marching Band, Rock & Country, Jazz Band and Brass Quartet pieces. Admission to performance is free with purchase of regular Patriots Point admission ticket.

‘PICCOLO, PATRIOTS AND PATTON:’ A SPECIAL EVENING ABOARD THE USS YORKTOWN
Celebrate Piccolo Spoleto and the unique war-themed artwork exhibit on the USS YORKTOWN on Friday, June 8 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.  Enjoy live music, light refreshments, mixed media artwork display by teenage artist Jess Catoe, and an interview with George Patton (Pat) Waters on the life and times of his grandfather, Gen. George Patton. All tickets are $7 and must be purchased by 8 p.m. that evening for access to the exhibit and special event.

Gates will open at 5:30pm, allowing guests time to picnic, stroll the grounds, and tour the USS YORKTOWN, USS LAFFEY, and the other exhibits at Patriots Point.  In fact, arriving early earns a special discount to Starlight Pops ticket holders — a free Patriots Point admission ticket of equal or lesser value with the purchase of a full priced ticket. This discount is valid only on April 28, and lasts all day.

Starlight Pops is all about music, food, and art. The Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will begin their tribute to Broadway at sundown. Under the direction of Mr. Alex Agrest, CSO will cover Mama Mia, Chicago, Guys & Dolls, Annie, and Westside Story. Special guest, Low Country vocalist Nancy Clayton will accompany the CSO for part of their performance.

For the foodies, there will be plenty of local food truck vendors like Pot Kettle Black, Taco Boy, Jack’s Cosmic Dogs, and more! Plus, there will be beer and wine available for purchase from MIX Bartending.

You’ll also want to take a stroll through the Charleston Artist Guild Art Village.

Tickets are on sale now! Reserve yours by stopping by any First Federal location, or go online to www.FirstFederal.com.  Tickets will also be available at the gate. Ticket prices are $10 for First Federal customers who stop by a First Federal location, $15 for adults 21 and older, $5 for students 12 and older, and free for children under 12.

Remember to take advantage of the special Patriots Point ticket discount offered to Starlight Pops ticket holders on April 28.

The Grove is one of 19 unique event spaces offered at Patriots Point for every type of special event. A wide variety of spaces accommodate groups sized 15 to 1,500 people, aboard the USS YORKTOWN, on the pier, and on land. There will soon be new event venues available on the USS LAFFEY, which was recently returned to Patriots Point. View more information and our Events Rentals brochure here.

Consider Patriots Point for hosting your next special event. Receptions, dinners, cocktail parties, reunions, meetings, dances, class parties, celebrity appearances, media events – and more – are all held on the property. The setting offers superlative views of the harbor and Charleston City skyline; a unique historic setting; catering options; and competitive prices.

For more information about hosting an event at Patriots Point, visit www.patriotspoint.org or contact the Events Rentals Manager at 843.881.5989 or EventsRentals@patriotspoint.org

We are especially pleased to display original photography by renowned World War II photographer Edward J. Steichen. Steichen served in the US Navy during WWII, as the Director of the Naval Aviation Photographic Unit. Most notably, in 1945, he won an Academy Award for Best Documentary for The Fighting Lady, a wartime film about the USS YORKTOWN, produced by the US Navy and directed by Steichen. In 1963, President Lyndon Johnson presented Steichen with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. You won’t want to miss this piece of American History.

On May 27 at 2:00 pm we’ll welcome the 282^nd Army Band aboard the USS YORKTOWN, where they will perform in the Hangar Bay. Based in Ft. Jackson, Columbia, SC, the 282^nd Army Band plays pieces from Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Marching Band, Rock & Country, Jazz, and Brass Quartet. Admission is free with the purchase of a regular Patriots Point admission ticket.

A special evening reception aboard the USS YORKTOWN, honoring ‘Piccolo, Patriots and Patton’ will be held June 8, 6:30 pm until 9:00 pm.  Live music, light refreshments, and the mixed media artwork display will be featured, including a life-sized portrait of General Patton, on loan from grandson George Waters. The event also features a much-anticipated interview with George Waters, focused on the life and times of his grandfather, General George Patton. Tickets are $7 and must be purchased by 8:00 pm that evening to gain admission.

More information about Piccolo Spoleto at Patriots Point will be available on our website in the coming weeks.