CSS Neuse Museum — Attraction in Kinston

Worth the $5 fee. I took my daughter as a homeschool field trip. No regrets. Nice and helpful staff. The short video at the start of the tour is not overwhelming with data but worth the time. The museum itself is not 100% complete but but 90% for sure. They host special homeschool events at a minimal cost, $1. Yes $1 per person. Inside is what is left of the CSS Nuese with an outline hanging above showing what the rest of the ironclad would have looked like. The info boards are very to the point and easy to read. I like that there is not a hint of pro-confederate ideas presented, it is very neutral. On the second floor where it isn't fully completed is some great history of Kinston that specifically addresses both black, freed and slaved, and white folks quality of life. Take the time to walk to the park where the life size model of the Neuse sits. While you're downtown walk a bit to some of the shops before stopping for lunch. Plenty of great places to eat....

Driven past dozens of times en route to Atlantic Beach. Finally stopped with my two young nephews. It's an unassuming building in a quiet downtown, but one of the best history museums I've been to. Clean space, friendly and knowledgeable staff, beautiful exhibits. The kids enjoyed the interactive parts, like ringing a bell and going inside an old civil war tent. The adults enjoyed the history that we never even knew from this area. It was just a really beautifully maintained exhibit. And the little gift shop had something for all of us! Plus the bathroom was really nice, so it served as a great rest stop on our way through too. I highly...

The museum itself is a city or state own museum. This means people who pay taxes pays for it. However, after 40 years of being free. They are now charging $5 per person to look at the real boat. To top that off, they even admit their free 10 minute video is very inaccurate due to some discoveries over the past few years.

I understand if a private museum asked for money. But, why would I pay for something 2 times? On top of that. Why am I going to pay for something I can see online for free? If you have to charge. At least charge $1 per head at most. $5 per person gets expensive fast when you bring your family to just see...