Holiday Lights & Living History: Little Whiskey Rolls Through Virginia Beach

For the second year in a row, Ghosts of the Battlefield proudly participated in the Virginia Beach Holiday Parade, bringing living history back to the streets of the city. Leading the way was BB-64, affectionately known as “Little Whiskey,” the restored liberty boat (whaleboat) from the USS Wisconsin. Decked out in holiday lights, the historic boat rolled along the parade route, drawing smiles as spectators lined the streets—waving, pointing, and taking in a piece of naval history rolling past them.

Along for the ride were Jeremy Jones, curator of the museum, Heather Jones, Emily Jones, Kristin Smith, Kylie Smith, Dan Swartz, and—joining the team from across the globe—our intern, Ryuoto Kagami. Together, they represented the heart of Ghosts of the Battlefield and the shared commitment to preserving and sharing these stories.

These types of events allow us to keep history alive while reaching new audiences—especially younger generations. By bringing authentic artifacts like “Little Whiskey” out into the community, we help spark curiosity, encourage questions, and keep the flame of history burning well beyond the museum walls.