Paid programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Maritime Museum in Beaufort.

Registration and Refund Policy:

Registration costs, less a 10% fee, are refunded when the museum receives cancellation notice at least 48 hours before the start of a program. There is no refund within 48 hours of the start of a program, and tickets cannot be transferred to a later program date within that 48 hour timeframe. Due to material costs and supply, Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center Courses require a 2-week notification for cancellations; only the course fee is refunded if cancellation occurs prior to 2 weeks. The Museum reserves the right to cancel any program that does not meet the minimum participant requirement up to one week before the program is scheduled. In the event of cancellation due to low enrollment, participants who have submitted a fee will receive a full refund. If a program is canceled due to inclement weather and unable to be rescheduled for another date, the participants will receive a full refund.

Gone with the Sea Breeze: Coastal Tourism in Antebellum North Carolina

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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...

Sensational Sharks: History and Conservation of Sharks in North Carolina

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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...

Battle of Beaufort: American Revolution

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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...

Recurring

By Hook or By Crook: Women Pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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,...

Diamondback Terrapins: Uncovering Their History and Shell-ebrating Their Future

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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...

Free

‘Life Aboard Ship, Means Going at Sea’

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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...

Free

‘The Rachel Carson Reserve’

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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...

The Story Behind Echo the Whale

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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...

Free

Sea Monsters

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, United States

Legends and stories of sea monsters are almost culturally universal, with even landlocked groups of people telling tales of fantastic sea or water creatures. During this presentation museum Associate Education Curator Christine Brin will look at some of the most popular sea monsters and some...

Free

Recurring

Whales off North Carolina

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, United States

North Carolina has many species of whales that travel near our shores and sometimes strand on our beaches.  This makes it ideal for scientists to study and promote the conservation and understanding of these endangered marine mammals.  Join Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster to learn...

Free

History of Santa Claus, Patron Saint of Sailors

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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 have all the answers regarding the mysterious and jolly figure; but during this family-friendly presentation, we will try to answer some questions...

Free

Registration and Refund Policy:

Registration costs, less a 10% fee, are refunded when the museum receives cancellation notice at least 48 hours before the start of a program. There is no refund within 48 hours of the start of a program, and tickets cannot be transferred to a later program date within that 48 hour timeframe. Due to material costs and supply, Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center Courses require a 2-week notification for cancellations; only the course fee is refunded if cancellation occurs prior to 2 weeks. The Museum reserves the right to cancel any program that does not meet the minimum participant requirement up to one week before the program is scheduled. In the event of cancellation due to low enrollment, participants who have submitted a fee will receive a full refund. If a program is canceled due to inclement weather and unable to be rescheduled for another date, the participants will receive a full refund.