A Curiosity Grows in Carolina
2025-05-29 11:00 (America/New_York) | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
On April 2, 1759, a letter was penned that would rock the botanical world: the first documented description of the Venus flytrap. Tales of this tiny green predator from the pine savannahs of Southeastern North Carolina would sweep throughout Europe. Join North Carolina Maritime Museum in Southport Programming and Education Curator Shannon Walker to learn about the little plant sparked a craze that would involve a royal governor, the who’s who of 18th century scientists, and a high seas adventure.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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.

‘It’s Electrifying!’: Electrolytic Reduction in Archaeological Conservation
2025-06-12 11:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
Join museum Conservator Michelle Crepeau as she discusses electrolytic reduction: what it is, how it works and why conservators use electrochemical reactions to clean and desalinate marine archaeological metals.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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.

Trying Women: A History of Women in the Whaling Industry
2025-06-19 11:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
Using information gathered from whaling communities around the North Atlantic, Associate Curator of Education Christine Brin will discuss the history of women in the whaling industry. Their roles range from net mending to running stores to processing whale meat and occasionally even joining their husbands at sea. Join us for an interesting insight into the world of women in the early 17th-century North Atlantic maritime community.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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.

Fish and Fishing
2025-06-24 - 2025-06-25, 2025-07-15 00:00 - 2025-07-16 00:00 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Children entering grades 3 and 4 will learn about coastal fish and fishing methods. Cane poles, bait, and tackle are provided for dock fishing during this half-day program that runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Seine nets will be used along a tidal flat. Students also use nets to catch and identify marine life in nearshore waters and create take-home artwork.
Summer Science School courses are designed to give children entering grades one to ten hands-on experiences with North Carolina’s environment, history, and culture. Courses take place outside the main museum building and may involve travel. Advance registration is required. Register below.
Limited scholarships are available; email christine.brin@dncr.nc.gov for scholarship information. For more information, call 252-504-7758.

Model Boats
2025-06-26 - 2025-06-27 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Students entering grades 3 and 4 will build a model boat at the museum’s Watercraft Center. They will use museum exhibits and field trips to learn about work boats and boats used for charter fishing and commercial fishing. The types of fish targeted by people fishing aboard these vessels will be discussed as well.
Cost is $90 per child, and class runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day. A limited number of scholarships are available. Advance registration is required. Register below or by phone at 252-504-7758.
Summer Science School programs are sponsored by the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.

Gone with the Sea Breeze: Coastal Tourism in Antebellum North Carolina
2025-06-26 11:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
During the summer months of the antebellum period, Eastern North Carolinians retreated to the coast to escape the outbreak of diseases, such as malaria. This summertime exodus spurred the development of second homes, rental properties, and hotels. While staying at the coast, tourists engaged in a variety of recreational activities to pass the time. Join Maritime History Curator David Bennett to learn about the early development of tourism along the North Carolina coast.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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.

Sensational Sharks: History and Conservation of Sharks in North Carolina
2025-07-10 11:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
Dun-dun…dun-dun… It’s shark week! Join Associate Curator of Education Courtney Felton to dive into the history of the sharks of North Carolina, local fishermen, a great (white) catch, and the work being done to conserve these jaw-some predators.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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.

Seashore Life II
2025-07-16 - 2025-07-18 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Students entering grades 4 through 6 will investigate estuarine habitats, plants, and animals through field and lab studies. This three-day course includes a field trip to the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve, water quality testing, plankton identification, and many more activities.
Course runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Cost is $120 per child. A limited number of scholarships are available. Advance registration is required.

Model Boats
2025-07-17 - 2025-07-18 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
In this three-day camp at the museum’s Watercraft Center, children entering grades 3 and 4 will build their own model boat while learning about life on the water. As campers assemble their boats, they’ll explore coastal waterways and discover the history and function of local workboats, charter vessels, and commercial fishing boats. Through engaging field trips and museum exhibits, students will also learn about the types of fish caught in our region and the important skills needed to live and work on the water. They will use museum exhibits and field trips to learn about workboats and boats used for charter fishing and commercial fishing. The types of fish targeted by people fishing aboard these vessels will be discussed as well.
The program is part of the museum’s Summer Science School series. Its courses are designed to give children entering grades one to ten hands-on experiences with North Carolina’s environment, history, and culture. Some courses take place outside the main museum building and may involve travel. Advance registration is required. Register online at ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com. Limited scholarships that cover course fees are available; email Education Curator Courtney Felton for scholarship information. For more information, call 252-504-7758.
Summer Science School programs are sponsored by the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort.

Battle of Beaufort: American Revolution
2025-07-17 11:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
Some historians argue that the final battle of the American Revolutionary War occurred in Beaufort, North Carolina, in April of 1782. Join Associate Curator Christine Brin for a discussion of this dramatic event. With daring raids, burning ships, shoot outs, and kidnapping, this battle has the makings of a blockbuster movie, without the need for fictional enhancements.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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.

Pirates!
2025-07-29 - 2025-07-30 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Young sailors entering grades 1 and 2 will join their fearless captain and work together to learn about life at sea and how pirates of long ago lived. The crew will build their own boats, set the rules of the ship, and go on a hunt to find the hidden treasure. Advance registration is required for the program, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day.
Summer Science School courses are designed to give children entering grades one to ten hands-on experiences with North Carolina’s environment, history, and culture. Some courses take place outside the main museum building and may involve travel. Register below or by calling 252-504-7758. Limited scholarships are available; email christine.brin@dncr.nc.gov for scholarship information.

Seashore Life I
2025-07-31 - 2025-08-01 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Students entering grades 1 and 2 will investigate coastal marine life of the tidal flats, salt marshes, and sounds on local islands during this two-day class. The field-based classes include ferry ride, barrier island hiking, and animal identification.
Course runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Cost is $90 per child. A limited number of scholarships are available. Advance registration is required.

Seashore Life II
2025-08-05 - 2025-08-07 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Children entering grades 5 and 6 will investigate estuarine habitats, plants, and animals through field and lab studies. This three-day course includes a field trip to the Rachel Carson National Estuarine Research Reserve, water quality testing, plankton identification, and many more activities. Course runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day.
The program is part of the museum’s Summer Science School series. Its courses are designed to give children entering grades one to ten hands-on experiences with North Carolina’s environment, history, and culture. Some courses take place outside the main museum building and may involve travel. Advance registration is required. Register online at ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com. Limited scholarships that cover course fees are available; email Education Curator Courtney Felton for scholarship information. For more information, call 252-504-7758.

By Hook or By Crook: Women Pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read
2025-08-21 11:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
Ranked amongst the fiercest pirates from the “Golden age of Piracy” are Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Join Associate Education Curator Christine Brin to learn about these women pirates. She will trace what is known about their life stories, how they came to be pirates, and their subsequent fates.
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. This lecture is in-person only in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center. Admission is free, and registration is not required for the in-person program.

Kayak the Salt Marsh
2025-08-26 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Gallants Channel, 293 West Beaufort Road, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Learn about salt marshes and wildlife while on the water. Basic kayak instruction and safety lessons on shore are followed by a 1.5-mile paddle through the salt marsh in our sit-in cockpit touring kayaks; or bring your own kayak and join us at a discount. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must know how to swim; some kayak experience is recommended.
Field programs are designed to give participants a hands-on experience with North Carolina’s environment, history, and culture. Please note that these programs take place primarily outside. Please review the age and experience requirements before registering. Pre-registration is required by noon the day prior to the program. For more information, call 252-504-7758.

Bonehenge Public Tours
2025-08-29 10:00, 2025-09-12 10:00 | Bonehenge Whale Center, 275 W Beaufort Rd Ext, Beaufort, 28516
Join us for a 40 to 60-minute walking tour of Bonehenge Whale Center, led by Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster and Associate Museum Curator Christine Brin. Keith has spent over 35 years studying marine mammals off the coast of North Carolina, focusing on bottlenose dolphins. His work preparing marine mammal skeletons for educational display is as unique as the Whale Center itself.
Bonehenge Whale Center operates as a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the Carolina Cay Maritime Foundation.
Limited spaces are available. The program is not recommended for children under 12 due to the workshop environment. Those 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required by noon the day prior. Register below or by calling (252) 504-7758.

Exploring Coastal Habitats on the Rachel Carson Reserve
2025-09-03 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-02 08:30 - 12:00 | NC
Join a member of our education team to discover the various plants and animals of the salt marsh and tidal flats at the Rachel Carson Reserve. The guided hike will take you through the different habitats and the sandy, muddy, and wet terrain found on Town Marsh and Bird Shoal. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Field programs are designed to give participants a hands-on experience with North Carolina’s environment, history, and culture. Please note that these programs take place primarily outside. Please review the age and experience requirements before registering. Pre-registration is required by noon the day prior to the program. Register below. For more information, call 252-504-7758.

Diamondback Terrapins: Uncovering Their History and Shell-ebrating Their Future
2025-09-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
Diamondback terrapins, a unique and striking marsh turtle, have a long history in Beaufort, from collection and farming in the 1900s to present-day conservation efforts. Join Curator of Education Courtney Felton to discover how terrapins went from being considered a delicacy to being protected.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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.

Introduction to Wooden Boat Building
2025-09-06 - 2025-09-07 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Explore the art of boatbuilding — beginning with lofting, and moving on to the setup, steam bending and different methods of creating the backbone of small boats — in this two-day, hands-on course. You’ll also learn planking methods, both carvel and lapstrake, and use of appropriate fasteners. After two days, you will have the knowledge, skill, and confidence to choose a design and style of boat to build on your own.
Class runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 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.

Kids' Cove: Sailor's Life
2025-09-10 09:00 - 11:00 | Beaufort Train Depot, 614 Broad St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516
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. While the museum is temporarily closed the kids cove programs will be hosted at the Beaufort Train Depot, 614 Broad St. in Beaufort. 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 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.

Hiking and History on Shackleford Banks
2025-09-17 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-15 08:30 - 12:00 | NC
Experience Outer Banks history and wildlife with a guided hike on Shackleford Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Participants will take a ferry to an undeveloped barrier island. This field trip requires hiking through sandy terrain for about 1.5 miles. The program is recommended for ages 12 and up. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Field programs are designed to give participants a hands-on experience with North Carolina’s environment, history, and culture. Please note that these programs take place primarily outside. Please review the age and experience requirements before registering. Pre-registration is required by noon the day prior to the program. Register below. For more information, call 252-504-7758.

'Life Aboard Ship, Means Going at Sea'
2025-09-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
When nature calls, you must go! But where do you go while at sea? You may be surprised by the historical practices of something so basic as using the bathroom when it comes to being on board a ship many years ago. Join Associate Curator of Education Christine Brin for an informative look at the evolution of the ship’s head (bathroom). She will cover historic sailing vessels, ironclad warships, and submarines, related to this interesting aspect of maritime life you may never have thought about.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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.

'The Rachel Carson Reserve'
2025-09-25 11:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
Ben Wunderly, site manager of the Rachel Carson Reserve, will give an overview of its history, natural features, and wildlife. The Rachel Carson Reserve, located in Carteret County just inside Beaufort Inlet, is comprised of a series of marshes, tidal flats, and upland islands. The 2,315 acres of combined habitat are dedicated as a nature preserve under the state’s Natural Heritage Program. The Rachel Carson Reserve is home to a diverse number of animals: various mammals, including its wild horses, to more than 200 species of birds and even more types of marine life. Come learn about this coastal treasure and how important its protection is.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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: Maritime Masks
2025-10-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Beaufort Train Depot, 614 Broad St., Beaufort, North Carolina, 28516

The Story Behind Echo the Whale
2025-10-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Fort Macon State Park, 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 28512, United States
Join Museum Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster for an informal discussion about “Echo” (the museum’s 33.5-foot sperm whale skeleton) and his heart. When the adolescent male whale came ashore at Cape Lookout in 2004, his bones and heart were preserved for study and display. Keith will cover the step-by-step process of retrieving, preserving, and displaying the specimen that now resides in the museum gallery.
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. The lectures are currently held in the Fort Macon Coastal Education Center and streamed via Zoom. 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.
