Experience the Story of the Man Behind “Anchors Aweigh”

Did you miss our recent Pop-Up Heritage event at the Naval Academy Visitor Center on Charles Zimmerman? Well you still have a chance to learn about the man once referred to as “one of the most popular and best known citizens of Annapolis“(The Evening Capital, 1908)

In celebration of Charles Zimmerman, the Naval Academy Visitor Center and United States Naval Academy Band will join forces to present three Friday events this summer, July 21 and 28 and August 18.

The Visitor Center will offer a special one hour, 30 minute, Zimmerman Legacy Tour that will end at the Zimmerman Bandstand near the Naval Academy Chapel, where a free 30-minute concert will be performed by a USNA band unit.

The tours will begin at 11 a.m. in the Visitor Center theater, and will include a new multimedia presentation on Charles Zimmerman, USNA Band Director and composer of “Anchors Aweigh,” followed by a walking tour that will end at the Zimmerman Bandstand across from the Naval Academy Chapel at 12:30 p.m.

This experience will be an adventure back to America’s Gilded Age focusing on the life of Charles Zimmerman. Discover why he earned the admiration and respect of the body of Midshipmen. Learn the connections he had through historic events with Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson. The presentation features recently gathered items from the archival collections throughout the Annapolis-New York City-Washington D.C. area. A highlight of the presentation will include satirical characters of the era created by Midshipmen exposing unique aspects of Academy life.

The Naval Academy Visitor Center is conveniently located inside USNA Gate 1 at the Annapolis harbor. Pedestrian entrances are on Prince George and Randall Streets. For more information, as well as concert details, visit the Four Rivers Heritage Area calendar of events.