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.

Beaufort’s Dolphins: Getting to Know Them

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

Bottlenose dolphins occur in Beaufort year-round but they’re not the same individuals and we’re learning a lot from photo-ID and stranding response. Join Museum Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster for an informal discussion about the biology, behavior, and conservation issues affecting "Beaufort’s Dolphins."   This...

Free

A General History of Mermaids

Fort Macon State Park 2303 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, 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. A half-human, half-fish creature has appeared in many cultures throughout time and...

Free

Sea Turtles of North Carolina

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

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 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

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.