With the support of heartfelt applause, the staff and Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport proudly broke ground for a 2,500 square foot addition to the Museum’s facility at Fort Johnston.
Over 70 persons attended the recent ceremony, and listened to words of appreciation and dedication given by FOM Chairman Shirley Wilson, Southport Mayor Robert Howard, Secretary Susan W. Kluttz of the NC. .Department of Cultural Resources, Museum Manager Mary Strickland, and FOM Vice Chair/Project Manager Wayne Strickland.
"On behalf of Gov. Pat McCrory and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, I am here to say thank you to the Friends of the Museum and those involved with the 'Come Grow with Us' campaign,” stated Secretary Susan W. Kluttz of the Department of Cultural Resources
“I toured North Carolina historic sites two years ago, and what I found was people who were so dedicated and determined like you all. This very much-needed expansion would not have happened without you. Thank you for this beautiful gift that you have given the State of North Carolina," she said.
The addition will increase the museum's working spaces, to include a large, multi-purpose meeting/classroom, an archival storage room to protect and preserve sensitive documents and artifacts, provide a workshop for building and maintaining exhibits, a library extension for audio-visual media, two new ADA-compliant bathrooms, offices for the Curator of Education and the Friends' Administrator, and space for storing exhibits, artifacts and other materials.
“Because of the continuing hard work of the museum’s Friends, and support from the many generous Donors, the goal of the “Come Grow with Us” campaign to raise $305,000 for its Phase 2 expansion has reached 86% of the funding needed to complete the project,” stated Museum Manager Mary Strickland.
Local officials in attendance included: Director Brunswick County Economic Development Commission Jim Bradshaw, Southport Mayor Robert Howard, Southport Aldermen: Nelson Adams, Todd Coring, Emily Humphreys, Southport Police Chief Jerry Dove, and Southport City Manager Kerry McDuffie.
Todd Coring, City of Southport Alderman, Lieutenant at Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, and Assistant Chief at Southport Fire Department spoke at the reception following the groundbreaking. “I am so proud of the museum and “Friends” who have made it what it is today. Thanks to all your hard work and dedication, the museum is recognized statewide”, he said.
Since opening in its new home in July 2011, the Museum has seen visitation rise to 40,000 - 50,000 guests per year, and has received the prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award three years in a row. The Museum has also received the “Brunswick Marketplace People’s Choice 2015”, 1st Place Museum in Brunswick County award.
Visitors have come from all 50 states and some 39 foreign countries. With outreach programs, summer camps, 2nd Saturday events, and a continuing monthly program of adult education events, the Museum reaches up to 90,000 people annually.
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Donations are always welcome.
The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is located at 204 E. Moore St., Southport. 28461. For more information, call 910-457-0003 or visit their website at www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.