The Blackbeard Exhibit is one of the most
popular exhibits for young and old alike.
The exploits of these predators of
commercial shipping still fascinate today and it's no
wonder the museum's pirate display is one of the most
popular exhibits for young and old alike. Grab an
eyepatch and walk the plank of adventure by viewing
the museums exhibit of artifacts presumed to be from
the pirate Blackbeard's ship, the
Queen Anne's Revenge.
The shipwreck was discovered in 25 feet of water in
1996 and includes a cannon that probably laid waste to
vessels laden with goods or gold. The pirate display
has become so popular that the museum plans to expand
it's scope as a major attraction.
Cannons from the Queen Anne's Revenge
The museum auditorium exhibits maritime arts, crafts, and
photographs, while the museum research library has an
extensive collection of books and magazines on natural
and maritime history. So, what is a maritime museum
without an aquarium? Have no fear, the museum has a
variety of small aquariums that give the visitor an
eye opening experience with displays of fish and
invertebrates.
Artifacts from Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge
The guardian angels of seaman were
many and included the United States Lighthouse
Service, Life-Saving Service, Revenue Cutter Service,
Steamboat Inspection Service, and the Coast Guard.
This exhibit highlights the hazards associated with
their duties including artifacts and photographs. The
Boat Shed, located near the museum parking lot houses
the museum's collection of traditional working
watercraft. Wooden boats undergoing preservation on
the waterfront can be viewed at the Harvey W. Smith
Watercraft Center across from the museum. Past
projects include construction of the
Silver Chalice
for the state's historic replica vessel
Elizabeth II,
and restoration of the George Washington Creef
shadboat
Foul Play for Roanoke Island Festival Park.
Model ship building is a fascinating craft and
volunteer artisans are hard at work in the John S.
MacCormack Model Shop where visitors can watch the
artistic process unfold.
The Harvey W. Smith
Watercraft Center across from the museum on the Beaufort waterfront.
On the practical side of
matters The Watercraft Center offers a large range of
boatbuilding classes throughout the year that includes
carpentry to diesel engine repair, and if you want to
build a boat, it's easy. Just add water at the
Boat-in-a-Day program where parents and children can
build a small flat-bottomed rowboat from
scratch.
Don't forget to load up on souvenirs
available at the Museum Store that offers a wide range
of North Carolina maritime and natural history items,
including books, posters, nautical charts, boat
models, jewelry, gifts, clothing, and souvenirs for
all ages. Proceeds benefit the North Carolina Maritime
Museum. If it's family adventure on the North Carolina
educational high seas you're looking for, then make
plans to drop anchor at The Maritime Museum in
Beaufort. It's open daily closing only for
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day holidays
and admission is free.
For more information you can visit their website at
NC Maritime Museum
Send us a STORY, PHOTOS, or make a COMMENT!
