Dahlgren Downtown to welcome many area students, community

Dahlgren Downtown to welcome many area students, community

By Jennifer Erickson, NSWCDD Corporate Communications

Sept. 19, 2025 - Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) is inviting four schools and nearly 400 students to a free and open-to-the-public event, providing hands-on STEM activities, robot demonstrations and historical artifacts, all highlighting more than 100 years of contributions to the U.S. Navy.

The fourth annual Dahlgren Downtown is Friday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill in Fredericksburg. NSWCDD is preparing to greet field trips from Battlefield Elementary School, Faith Baptist School, King George Middle School, Richmond County Middle School and local homeschool groups.

NSWCDD created Dahlgren Downtown to highlight the modern and historic contributions of Navy scientists and engineers to the local community. The STEM advocates at this event are full-time contributors to the real-world success of our warfighters and they are excited to demonstrate their love for STEM to visiting students. Attendees can enjoy and participate in technology demonstrations including navigating robots and unmanned aerial vehicles/unmanned aerial systems, STEM activities and NSWCDD's rich history.

NSWCDD is focused on the next generation of STEM professionals and is ready to highlight some recruiting opportunities including internships for high schoolers and college students. NSWCDD STEM Advocates will guide students and community members in the following activities:

• Foil boats
• LEGO Education SPIKE
• Liquid nitrogen
• Make your own ice cream
• Make your own slime
• Ozobots, small robots designed for coding used in color combinations for movement
• SeaPerch, navigating a remotely operated vehicle underwater
• STEM puzzles
• Van de Graaff generator

The Naval Heritage Museum and Dahlgren Division representatives will highlight NSWCDD's legacy - its roots trace back to Oct. 16, 1918, when the first shot was fired from a 7-inch, 45-caliber, tractor-mounted gun. Showcasing the testing that continues today on the Potomac River Test Range, a range boat will be present for all to enjoy.

The Inn at the Old Silk Mill is located at 1707 Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg. For more information, call the NSWCDD Public Affairs Office at (540) 653-8152.