North Carolina Maritime Museum - Beaufort, NC - Historical Coastal Marine Museum

The North Carolina Maritime Museum is located in Beaufort, North Carolina. It began in the early 1900s with a little more than a few mounts and jars. Additions were made to the coastal natural history collection of fish mounts and jars of preserved crustaceans and bird skins in the years that followed. The museum was overseen by various agencies and individuals, but was finally brought under the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources in 1997. The American Association of Museums reaccredited the museum in 2001.

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day holidays. Admission to the museum is free.

The museum documents, collects, preserves, and researches the marine history of the North Carolina coast. They interpret the history through exhibits and educational services for future generations. The museum reaches a broad audience of more than 180,000 visitors annually. Of the 180,000 people, roughly 35% are out-of-state tourists and 5% are foreign tourists. Every year between general tours, special children's programs, and the Summer Science School over 10,000 school age children visit the museum.

The museum and its facilities, including the auditorium, library, and Watercraft Center, are available for a variety of community groups. It is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as the entrances, bathrooms, and water fountains permit wheelchairs and there are special tours available for the physically challenged.

There are more then 300 public programs conducted annually by over 100 active volunteers. Some programs include the Summer Science School for Children, Junior Sailing program, Wooden Boat Show, and Family Day.

They also sponsor music concerts, both traditional and classical. They participate in the Beaufort Music Festival and the Beaufort Old Homes Tour. Their most successful music program is the African American Chantymen, made up of retired fishermen who perform traditional work songs.

To draw guests the museum distributes over 100,000 brochures annually. They send these to schools and visitation centers. They also provide news media units with regular news releases. The often film their programs to be aired on area television channels. They also participate in programming with the North Carolina Aquariums, Beaufort Historical Association, Duke University Marine Laboratory, and many other organizations.

When visitors enter the lobby they are greeted by a variety of nautical artifacts. There is a copper navigation light that was used in the early 1900s to help ships keep course in the shallow waters. There is also a large clam containing seashells for the visitors.

In the auditorium there are marine arts, grafts, and photographs. The library has an extensive collection of books and magazines on maritime and natural history. There are also a variety of small aquariums of fish and invertebrates for the visitors to enjoy.

The museum also has a store, which offers a blend of North Carolina maritime and natural history. There are books, charts, boat models, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs for people of all ages. All proceeds of the museum store benefit the museum.