NC Maritime Museum : BEAUFORT

Introduction to Wooden Boatbuilding
2026-11-21 - 2026-11-22, 2026-12-12 - 2026-12-13 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
The introductory wooden boatbuilding class provides hands-on experience with fundamental boatbuilding concepts. The course teaches students to select wood, design a boat, and use various techniques like steam bending, planking (carvel or lapstrake), and fastening to construct a small boat. The curriculum covers basic design, essential tools, safe workshop practices, and the properties of wood, culminating in a small project that builds confidence for independent boatbuilding.
Class runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Class fee is $200 ($180 for Friends of the Museum). Minimum age is 16. Course size is limited, and advance registration is required. Register below or by calling 252-504-7758.

History of Santa Claus, Patron Saint of Sailors
2026-12-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Did Santa prefer a green suit before he started wearing his now iconic red? What is Mrs. Claus’s first name? We may not know everything about the mysterious and jolly figure; but during this family-friendly presentation, Associate Education Curator Christine Brin will try to answer some questions without taking away any of the magic.
This program is part of the museum’s Maritime Heritage Lecture Series, informal lectures focused on North Carolina’s rich maritime history, coastal environment, and culture. Programs are offered select Thursdays at noon. The lectures are held in the museum auditorium and streamed via Zoom. Admission is free, and registration is not required for the in-person program. Visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com/virtual to sign up to receive the Zoom links. Programs are also posted to the museum’s YouTube channel.

Kids' Cove: Trains
2026-12-09 09:00 - 11:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Kids’ Cove is a free-play program designed for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers with a different maritime themed craft and wiggle activity each month. This is a screen-free program meant to help caregivers connect with their little ones, each other, and their local maritime heritage. The program is designed so that participants can stay for as short or as long as they want, arriving and leaving at any time during the scheduled program. Programs do not build on each other, so you can participate in one, all, or some without feeling left out. Programs are held in the museum on the second Wednesday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. Pre-registration preferred.
Sign up below or by calling 252-504-7758.

51st Annual Wooden Boat Show
2027-05-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Join us for the 51st Annual Wooden Boat Show, the longest running boat show in the southeast! Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or prefer to keep your feet on dry land, the Annual Wooden Boat Show — a rain or shine event — has activities for all ages.
This free event, held each year on the first Saturday in May, celebrates the art of North Carolina’s traditional wooden boatbuilding.
Dozens of handcrafted wooden boats will be on display, along with nautical demonstrations and activities for children.
For more information, call 252-504-7758.
For information on being a Boat Show sponsor, contact the Friends of the Maritime Museum.
