The North Carolina Maritime Museum is a system of regional museums within the North Carolina Museum of History, which in turn part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. There are several branches of the Maritime Museum located in Beaufort, Southport and Hatteras.
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First things first, it's a very well laid out museum, with friendly staff who obviously work hard to keep it clean and presentable.
The museum itself, though, isn't as interesting as some can be, I've seen other reviews saying it's more wordy than artifacty, and that does pretty well sum it up. Also, it's got two parts, the history of commercial fishing in the area, and Blackbeard.
The commercial fishing half is very dry, and probably not of interest to anybody who isn't either a commercial fisher, or a dedicated history buff.
The Blackbeard half, however, is an absolute must for anyone even peripherally interested in piracy, or in historical research. There are multiple displays explaining the history of Blackbeard and the daily life of a pirate. These displays contain many recovered artifacts from the wreck of The Queen Anne's Revenge, some of which are periodically removed for research purposes, and some of that research can be observed through windows between the public area and the lab.
The last thing to be aware of is that on-site museum parking is extremely limited, and nearby public parking is nearly as limited, is pay parking, and Beaufort doesn't make it easy to give them your money.
Finally, the shipworks across the street may be interesting if people are actually working, but a total bust if nobody is
TLDR: Don't expect The Smithsonian and you won't be disappointed, and make sure to know your license plate number if you don't want to potentially have to walk a half block or more from the only sign not missing to get it after scanning the QR code so you...
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This museum has a great deal to offer. It's arrangement is a bit odd but the materials they have are interesting and in good shape. They offer materials in regard to recent shipping industries, historical pirate information and objects as well as fishing information.
They lack a bit in specific parts of history like the near absence of the change that occurred in the area during the 1850's to 1860's when a regional industry based on kerosene, oils and tars extracted from the towering pine trees then growing in the area. In spite of this the information provided is generally true to life and records what instances they have focused on with a fair amount of accuracy.
Their materials regarding the local fishery are exceptional and excellent resource in determining how the present problems of the fishery have arisen. They also raise interesting points on how to solve the problem which you, the visitor, will be able to discern for yourself. The museum is generally well lit.
There are games for the children to play like a 'Treasure Hunt' which allows the children, or adult participants, to search for items throughout the museum. That is a particularly fun game, and my favorite, I recommend it highly. The museum is one of the focal points during the 'Pirate Invasion' which occurs annually during the summer months and is a celebration of maritime history, piracy...
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This was a lovely experience until it was ruined at the gift shop which is strategically placed near the exit. I brought my 2 year old to a special mommy & me experience designed for young children up to age 5. It was fun and we were encouraged to explore the museum. As we went by the gift shop, there little children everywhere pulling out stuffed animals from the bins (at their eye level, I would add). My child picked one up and kissed it before I could grab it from him. He put it back and the lady running the shop informed me that I just bought it because my child's mouth touched it. She pointed to small signs posted around it indicating such. I had to spend money on a stuffed toy that my kid picked up after a whole 10 seconds in the shop. Way to go NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort!! She said it happens constantly and that's why they have to post signs. Really...? Rather than just place them up higher so they can't be easily reached? I'm sure that's how you swindle most visitors with children and make most of your money. I was planning to buy more items as keepsakes from that shop so you stood to make more money from me but instead, I immediately left, warning others on my way out the door. Well done!! I will never be back to visit this museum for this...
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