Topics Related to NC Maritime Museum - Beaufort

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, Associate Education Curator Christine Brin will try to answer some questions without taking away any of the magic. 

North Carolina has many species of whales that travel near our shores and sometimes strand on our beaches. This makes it ideal for biologists to study and promote the conservation and understanding of these endangered marine mammals. Join Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster to learn about the whales most commonly spotted off the coast of North Carolina and view some related display items.  

Join David Bennett, curator of maritime history, for an examination of civil litigation regarding commercial fishing in the Albemarle Sound and its tributaries during the antebellum period. The lawsuits discussed will provide unique insights into the daily operations of the fisheries. 

From arsenic to uranium, humans have long had the pesky tendency of using poisons, caustics, carcinogens, and things that go BOOM! in our art, our clothing, our entertainment, and as part of our everyday lives. Sometimes these items even make their way into museums, often in odd or unexpected ways. Join museum conservator Michelle Crepeau as she discusses how to identify hazardous materials in your collection, options for mitigation and remediation, and why you shouldn’t lick the science!

Legends and stories of sea monsters are almost culturally universal, with even landlocked groups of people telling tales of fantastic water-based creatures. During this presentation museum Associate Education Curator Christine Brin will look at some of the most popular sea monsters and some of the creatures, like whales, that may have inspired these stories.

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 will cover the step-by-step process of retrieving, preserving, and displaying the specimen that now resides in the museum gallery.

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. Join Associate Curator of Education Christine Brin for an informative look at the evolution of the ship’s head (bathroom). She will cover historic sailing vessels, ironclad warships, and submarines related to this important aspect of maritime life you may never have considered.

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 Associate Curator of Education Courtney Felton to discover how terrapins went from being considered a delicacy to being protected.  

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, which featured daring raids, burning ships, shootouts, and even kidnapping.

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.