With fewer state dollars to go around, the Southport North Carolina Maritime Museum is struggling to stay open. Friends of the Museum are asking for space in the city park's and recreation building on a lease for $1 per year. City officials are considering this option as well as other possible types of state funding to preserve the rich history of the area.
Getting space in the parks/rec building could be a little tricky. That property was deeded to Southport in 2006 by the federal government with the stipulation that it be used for public recreation. The museum already rents the space for various classes. So, the question becomes: Can they use the space for exhibits and for the collection of research materials?
Materials at the museum are from the Lower Cape Fear River and include artifacts from old ship wrecks. The collection is divided into 12 main stations with a self-guided tour as well as friendly guides on hand to provide more background and answer questions. Those interested in doing research can visit the library. Special films and programs are offered throughout the year.
Southport is a branch of the North Carolina Martitime Museum in Beaufort, NC. The Southport maritime museum is currently located at 116 North Howe Street with rent of $61K per year (which is why they hope to relocate to the park/rec building). The museum has been open for 20 years. Exhibits can be viewed Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission to the museum is free.
Hopefully the Southport Maritime Museum can survive the hard economic times. It provides a wonderful chance to learn about and understand the history of the area and the people who made it the beautiful place it is today. Certainly we all have to sacrifice during lean times, but we don't want to lose our past as we look at building a new future.
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