Not every visitor to the Outer Banks has been lured by sun, surf, spectacular beaches and world-class fishing! Some were victims of pirates, wreckers and privateers; others were washed ashore when nor’easters and hurricanes broke their vessels on the shoals. Some came with dreams of conquest; others simply disappeared. For over four hundred years, the waters off the Outer Banks have been among the most dangerous in the world. Over the centuries, so many ships and lives have been lost along these shores, the waters all along the Outer Banks are known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”
Aside from the majestic lighthouses, little remains of this turbulent past. Forces of nature, commercial salvaging, looting and vandalism have taken their toll. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is dedicated to preserving this vital aspect of our history for both present and future generations.
Adjacent to the Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry Landing at 59200 Museum Drive in historic Hatteras Village, the 19,000-sq.-ft. museum incorporates large wooden beams and graceful curved lines reminiscent of the 17th-, 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century ships that rest off the banks. Built to withstand catastrophic weather, the museum proved its mettle during Hurricane Isabel. The museum will house engaging, interactive displays in three gallery zones. “Exploration, Transportation and Commerce” will chronicle the early explorations of our coast, attempts at colonization, the development of the Labrador and Gulf Stream shipping lanes, the role of the lighthouse and lifesaving services, and mysteries such as the ghost ship Carroll A. Deering. “Piracy and Warfare” will survey the pirates who camped on our shores and roved our seas, plundering ships of every nationality. Tales of Civil War blockade-runners, the loss of Forts Hatteras and Clark, and the historic sinking of the USS Monitor will be recounted.
The results of the devastating, unrestricted submarine warfare during World Wars I and II will be chronicled. “Shipwrecks: Discovery, Research & Interpretation” will showcase the most recent technologies and procedures used in retrieval.
A portion of the museum is now open, including preview galleries in the main lobby and community room, and a museum store. New exhibitions have been installed for 2007. For hours of operation, please call 986-2995/2996.
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is continuing its fundraising campaign to complete interior construction, including the main gallery and conservation areas, and to professionally design, fabricate and install exhibits. To become a part of this exciting project, you may call 252-986-2995 for donor information. For additional information, visit the Web site at www.graveyardoftheatlantic.com. They need your help to rescue our maritime history. |
