NC Maritime Museum : BEAUFORT

Civil Air Patrol during World War II
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
One of history’s secrets is just how close the war came to North Carolina’s coast. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, America’s military was stretched thin, depending on the service of civilians to help defend America’s East coast at the beginning of World War II. Join Associate Education Curator Christine Brin for a look at the history of the Civil Air Patrol specific to their work and defense of Eastern North Carolina.
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.

Exploring Coastal Habitats on the Rachel Carson Reserve
2026-05-26 08:30 - 12:00, 2026-04-23 08:30 - 12:00, 2026-03-11 08:30 - 12:00
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 hands-on experiences 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.

Build a Boat in a Day
2026-05-23 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Participants in this introductory workshop use pre-cut kits to construct a small, flat-bottomed plywood boat in a single session. The course focuses on teaching basic woodworking and assembly skills. The class is designed for beginners and is a collaborative effort for families or small teams. Each participating team assembles a small flat-bottomed plywood boat suitable for paddling. The boat is 12 feet long, 32 inches wide, and weighs about 40 pounds. Each boat will be completed to a watertight condition and ready to take home for paint or varnish.
Teams are limited to a maximum of 4 people, at least one of whom must be an adult. Minimum age is 8 years old. Register below or by calling 252-504-7758.

Bonehenge Family Friendly Tour
2026-05-22 14:00 - 14:30, 2026-03-27 14:00 - 14:30 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Children ages 7 to 14 and their companion adults are invited to participate in a new 20 to 30-minute tour of the Bonehenge Whale Center. The free tour is a shortened version of the regular public tour with softer imagery and vocabulary for a younger audience. Along with the opportunity to touch and hold multiple bones, whale oil, and a real whale’s tooth, the tour will include discussions on what whales eat, how they are adapted to deep ocean living, conservation issues regarding whales, and how the public can help.
This tour takes place in an active workshop; therefore, it is not recommended for children under the age of 7. Pre-registration is required by noon the day prior to the program. Register below. For more information, call 252-504-7758.

Sea Turtles in North Carolina
2026-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Spending only a brief time on land, sea turtles are quite different from most other turtles we know. From hatchling to adult, a lifetime at sea is no small task for these reptiles that grow so big. Join Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster on World Turtle Day to learn about the different species of sea turtles that inhabit the coastal waters of North Carolina and the trials they face from before they even emerge from their sandy nest.
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.

Does Mother Know Best? Matrilineal Influences on Whale Social Dynamics
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Dive into the world of whale and dolphin social dynamics during this presentation on the role the females of the species play in social interactions, including raising their young, babysitting, and even limiting bullying. Join Education Curator Courtney Felton to see if mother really does know best.
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: Boats
2026-05-13 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. While the museum’s gallery remains temporarily closed, the Kids’ Cove programs will return to the museum auditorium. 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
2026-05-12 08:30 - 12:00, 2026-03-25 09:30 - 13:00
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 2 to 2.5 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 hands-on experiences 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.

Introduction to Wooden Boatbuilding
2026-05-09 - 2026-05-10, 2026-04-11 - 2026-04-12, 2026-03-07 - 2026-03-08 | 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.

Kayak the Salt Marsh
2026-05-05 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-02 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 the museum’s sit-in cockpit touring kayaks. 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 kayaking 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. Register below. For more information, call 252-504-7758.

50th Annual Wooden Boat Show
2026-05-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Join us for the 50th 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 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 and the sport of sailboat racing.
Dozens of handcrafted wooden boats will be on display, along with nautical demonstrations and activities for children. Interested in registering a boat for display? Registration opens here on April 1 at 8 a.m. For more information, call 252-504-7758. For information on being a Boat Show sponsor, contact the Friends of the Maritime Museum.
2026 BOAT SHOW SCHEDULE
Friday, May 1, 2026
5 – 7 p.m.
OPENING RECEPTION
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

Saturday, May 2, 2026
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
BOAT CHECK-IN and SETUP
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
EXHIBIT OF WOODEN BOATS Be sure to vote for your favorite boat
Front Street
WOODEN BOAT KIDS
Museum Front Patio
KNOT TYING BY DON VAN HOY
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
IN-WATER BOAT SHOW
Beaufort Waterfront Docks
NAUTICAL BOOK SALE
N.C. Maritime Museum front patio
VINTAGE TOY OUTBOARD MOTORS
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center
BOB ZENTZ
Sea shanties and maritime-themed music
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

4 p.m.
WOODEN BOAT SHOW AWARDS RECEPTION
Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center

Wooden Boat Show Opening Reception
2026-05-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
The 50th Annual Wooden Boat Show is kicking off with our annual Opening Reception. This year’s event is free and open to the public. Enjoy refreshments, entertainment, and a preview of the weekend as we celebrate this milestone boat show. Current Friends members, as well those interested in becoming a Friend of the Maritime Museum, wooden boat enthusiasts, captains entered in the show, and the general public are all welcome at this free event.

In Irons: American Prisoners of War, 1775-1783
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
During the American War of Independence, many patriots who served on land and sea found themselves as prisoners of war. Some were in British prison camps while others were held aboard British prison ships. Join Maritime History Curator David Bennett as he details the captivity of North Carolinians and other American patriots, as well as daring escapes and maritime routes to freedom.
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.

Science and Exploration on the Rachel Carson Reserve
2026-04-27 08:30 - 12:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Join a museum educator and the Central Sites Manager from the N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve for a guided hike through the Rachel Carson Reserve. Discover the diverse plants and animals of the salt marsh and tidal flats while exploring the interconnected habitats of Town Marsh and Bird Shoal.

Offered as part of the NC Science Festival, this hike highlights how the reserve’s ecosystems are managed for research, education, and long-term stewardship. Participants will also learn how they can support the reserve through citizen science efforts.

The hike will traverse sandy, muddy, and wet terrain. This program is recommended for ages 12 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

This hike is one of the museum’s field programs, which are designed to give participants hands-on experiences 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.

Introduction to Woodworking
2026-04-25 - 2026-04-26 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
The new Introduction to Woodworking class teaches beginners to safely and efficiently use hand and power tools, understand different wood types and their properties, and apply fundamental techniques like cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing to build a small project. The course focuses on building foundational skills, with instructor demonstrations and supervised hands-on practice, to instill confidence and a solid understanding for future woodworking projects.
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.

Beaufort’s Dolphins, Getting to Know Them
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Bottlenose dolphins are seen in Beaufort year-round, but they’re not the same individuals. We’re learning a lot from photo-ID and stranding response. Join Museum Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster to learn about the biology, behavior, and conservation issues affecting “Beaufort’s Dolphins.”
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.

A General History of Mermaids
2026-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
The oceans truly connect us all, from pole to pole and around the equator. The legend of the mermaid is a great representation of that connection, one that binds seafarers the world over. The half-human, half-fish creature has appeared in many cultures throughout time and geography. Associate Education Curator Christine Brin will share some of the iconic tales of mermaids, how they have appeared in other regions of our watery planet, and the evolution the mysterious creature has undergone through the years.
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: Whales
2026-04-08 09:00 - 11:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States

Can You Knot? A Knot Tying Workshop
2026-03-26 14:00 - 16:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
This hands-on course will review the history of knot tying in the maritime industry, followed by an opportunity for participants to practice their knot-tying skills. The course will cover a minimum of 10 knots, with the potential to cover more, including splicing, as time and participant interest allow. Program is open to ages 12 and up. Pre-registration is required by noon the day prior to the program. Register below. For more information, call 252-504-7758.

Half Hull Model Class
2026-03-21 09:00 - 17:00 | Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, 322 Front Street, Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Half hull models serve as traditional methods to visualize, plan, and understand a vessel’s three-dimensional design and proportions. This half hull model class teaches participants to create a scale, half-side replica of a North Carolina Shad boat’s hull. Classes provide hands-on woodworking experience by teaching techniques like transferring boat plans, cutting laminated “lifts” of wood, and carving the hull into its final shape, resulting in a finished model ready for the participant to apply the finish of their choosing at home.
Class fee is $150 ($135 for Friends of the Museum, which sponsors the program). Minimum age is 16. Course size is limited, and advance registration is required. Register below or by calling 252-504-7758.

Annual Whales and Whaling Symposium
2026-03-20 10:00 - 18:30 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
The history, biology, conservation, and pedagogy of whales and whaling specific to North Carolina will be covered during the North Carolina Maritime Museum’s annual Whales and Whaling Symposium. The program is free. However, pre-registration is preferred due to limited seating. Register below or by calling 252-504-7758.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
10:15 a.m.: “NC Whales: Diversity, Distribution, and Conservation,” presented by Keith Rittmaster, the museum’s natural science curator and director of the Bonehenge Whale Center. Rittmaster will discuss the 35 species of cetaceans documented off North Carolina’s coast, conservation challenges and ongoing work at Bonehenge Whale Center.
11:15 a.m.: “Nye’s Clock Oil and the Bottlenose Dolphin Fishery at Hatteras Island,” presented by historian David Cecelski. Cecelski examines the surprising connection between North Carolina’s coastal fisheries, the waning days of American whaling and the rise of the U.S. clockmaking industry at the turn of the 20th century.
2 p.m.: “Watching Whales in the Middle Ages,” presented by Dr. Vicki Szabo, professor of ancient, medieval and environmental history at Western Carolina University. Szabo contrasts whale mythology in medieval Europe with the practical knowledge of coastal communities, drawing on historical texts and archaeological evidence.
3 p.m.: “How Many Whales Does It Take to Save a Species?” presented by marine biologist and conservation-based crafter Tommy Tucker. Tucker’s program focuses on the critically endangered Rice’s whales and uses the stories of individual whales to illustrate the intersection of maritime history, natural history and conservation.
5:30 p.m.: The North Carolina aerial survey team for North Atlantic right whales. Operated locally in Beaufort by the Clearwater (Fla.) Marine Aquarium Research Institute and funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the team will discuss right whale biology, current population trends and how aerial surveys are supporting recovery efforts for this critically endangered species.

Wreck of 'Caribsea'
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
Join Education Curator Courtney Felton to learn about the wreck of Caribsea, a casualty of World War II. On March 11, 1942, this cargo freighter was sunk by German U-boat 158 off Cape Lookout while heading from Santiago de Cuba to Baltimore, Maryland.
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: Sailors
2026-03-11 09:00 - 11:00 | North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC, 28516, United States
