The museum is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. It is one of three maritime museums in the NCDNCR Division of History Museums.
Our Mission
… is to collect, preserve, and interpret material culture pertinent to the maritime history of the Lower Cape Fear region.
How we started
From its humble beginnings in a small shop on Howe Street as the Southport Maritime Museum to becoming a state agency in 1999, the museum has seen many changes and updates. Originally started as a way to draw visitors into Southport, now the museum is a staple of the Cape Fear region. In 2010, through a collaboration with federal, state and city entities, the museum moved to Moore Street and officially reopened to the public on Independence Day. The museum inhabits the officer’s quarters on the grounds at Fort Johnston.
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport showcases the vast nautical history of the Lower Cape Fear.
Its exhibits tell the story of the region’s people and their relationship with the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River, which converge nearby. Glance through the USS Dolphin’s periscope to witness the vast array of ships moving up and down the river.
Year-round programs and events, designed for all ages and backgrounds, help individuals understand the importance of the Cape Fear River to both North Carolina and United States history. Discover tales of exploration and invention, of patriots and pirates, of shipwrecks and archaeology, and much more!
Voted one of the best attractions in Southport by newcomers and frequent vacationers alike, an afternoon at the museum is a must for any coastal lover who wants to dive into the fascinating history and culture that this region supplies in abundance. Admission is free; donations are appreciated.
Convergence of waters
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport stands at the confluence of the Cape Fear River, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is at the meeting point of all three types of water, which have nicknames of brown, blue, and green.
Brown water: Rivers
Blue water: Ocean & Sea
Green water: Estuaries & Creeks
Join our Crew of Volunteers!
Learn more about volunteering and apply to join our volunteer crew!