Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum

Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum Maritime Museum dedicated to the preservation, advancement, and presentation of the maritime history. For more information, visit www.ncmaritimemuseums.com.
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This is an official social media account of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras is named in honor of the thousands of shipwrecks that rest in the waters off North Carolina’s coast and is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the state’s coastal and shipwreck history. Shipwrecks associated with piracy, the Rev

olutionary and Civil Wars, and World Wars I and II are the subject of our exhibits. The museum has remnants of the earliest known shipwreck found in North Carolina waters dating to 1650. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras is open: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Closed Saturdays, Sundays and most State Holidays. Free admission to the public. Donations are appreciated. About the North Carolina Maritime Museums:

The North Carolina Maritime Museums are part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The three North Carolina Maritime Museums preserve and interpret North Carolina’s coastal life and history. They paint a picture of the maritime culture including fishermen, boat builders, decoy carvers and more. They present exhibits of painters and pirates, shipwrecks and sailboats, and about marine life and protection. One historic coast...Three unique museums! In addition to The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, the other two maritime museums include:

North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
The N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort reflects coastal life and interprets lighthouses and lifesaving stations, the seafood industry, motorboats, and more. Studies in marine life, science, and ecology are available for all ages. The Beaufort museum is the repository for artifacts from Blackbeard’s wrecked flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, among them cannons, grenades, belt buckles and beads. The Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center teaches boatbuilding for all ages. North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport
The N.C. Maritime Museum at Southport tells the story of the Cape Fear region and its people. The museum is at the intersection of the mighty Cape Fear River and the vast Atlantic Ocean. It shares tales of pirates and pillage, blockade running and riverfront archaeology, and other nautical adventures. Ongoing educational programs for children and adults about this area that was a haven for blockade runners and also a pirate hideout are available. About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's cultural resources to build the social, cultural and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR's mission is to enrich lives and communities by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history and libraries in North Carolina that will spark creativity, stimulate learning, preserve the state's history and promote the creative economy. NCDCR was the first state organization in the nation to include all agencies for arts and culture under one umbrella. Through arts efforts led by the N.C. Arts Council, the N.C. Symphony and the N.C. Museum of Art, NCDNCR offers the opportunity for enriching arts education for young and old alike and spurring the economic stimulus engine for our state's communities. NCDNCR's Divisions of Archives and Records, Historical Resources, State Historic Sites and State History Museums preserve, document and interpret North Carolina's rich cultural heritage to offer experiences of learning and reflection. NCDNCR's State Library of North Carolina is the principal library of state government and builds the capacity of all libraries in our state to develop and to offer access to educational resources through traditional and online collections including genealogy and resources for the blind and physically handicapped. NCDNCR annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council and the State Archives. NCDNCR champions our state's creative industry that accounts for more than 300,000 jobs and generates nearly $18.5 billion in revenues. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.

of Hotel De' Afrique? After the first Union victory in the Civil War in North Carolina, the Battle of Hatteras Inlet, ...
06/19/2026

of Hotel De' Afrique? After the first Union victory in the Civil War in North Carolina, the Battle of Hatteras Inlet, enslaved African Americans escaped to the Union controlled Hatteras Island, seeking freedom.

By February 15, 1862, more than 40 freedom-seeking families lived on the island. A barrack was given as lodging for the families and was soon named Hotel De' Afrique. After a storm destroyed the original barrack, about 12 new barracks were built to accommodate the influx of freedom-seekers. On the island, African Americans built community and labored as watermen, horsemen and often served in the Union army.

Hotel De' Afrique is considered the first safe place for people escaping slavery in North Carolina during the Civil War and is officially recognized as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Learn more about histories like Hotel De' Afrique in our Juneteenth toolkit by clicking the link in the NC African American Heritage Commission bio.

Image: AV. 5000. "Hotel De' Afrique" Courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina. See less

of Hotel De' Afrique? After the first Union victory in the Civil War in North Carolina, the Battle of Hatteras Inlet, enslaved African Americans escaped to the Union controlled Hatteras Island, seeking freedom.

By February 15, 1862, more than 40 freedom-seeking families lived on the island. A barrack was given as lodging for the families and was soon named Hotel De' Afrique. After a storm destroyed the original barrack, about 12 new barracks were built to accommodate the influx of freedom-seekers. On the island, African Americans built community and labored as watermen, horsemen and often served in the Union army.

Hotel De' Afrique is considered the first safe place for people escaping slavery in North Carolina during the Civil War and is officially recognized as part of the Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Learn more about histories like Hotel De' Afrique in our Juneteenth toolkit by clicking the link in the bio.

Image: AV. 5000. "Hotel De' Afrique" Courtesy of the State Archives of North Carolina.

Our sister site North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is hiring an Administrative Associate. Check out the job pos...
06/18/2026

Our sister site North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is hiring an Administrative Associate. Check out the job posting and if you're interested, apply at the link below!

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is hiring! The Administrative Associate II position will also serve as Visitor Services and Volunteer Coordinator, and duties will include a variety of basic hospitality, visitor services, and office support roles.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/4a30iA4
This posting closes on June 25 at 11:59PM. All applications must be submitted online. Please do not contact the NCMMSPT directly.

The museum will be open on Juneteenth from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. We hope to see you!
06/17/2026

The museum will be open on Juneteenth from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. We hope to see you!

On June 16, 1893, Elizabeth City’s “Economist‑Falcon” reported a rapid rise in pound‑net fishing. Introduced to the Albe...
06/17/2026

On June 16, 1893, Elizabeth City’s “Economist‑Falcon” reported a rapid rise in pound‑net fishing. Introduced to the Albemarle Sound around 1870, pound nets grew from 117 in 1880 to 950 by 1890. While widely used to catch river herring in northeastern North Carolina, pound nets became an important tool for catching flounder in Carteret County.

Images: Pound nets used in Colerain, 1935-40. (Images courtesy NC State Archives).

On June 15, 1987, North Carolina designated the shad boat as the state’s historical boat. Designed by Roanoke Island boa...
06/15/2026

On June 15, 1987, North Carolina designated the shad boat as the state’s historical boat. Designed by Roanoke Island boatbuilder George Washington Creef Sr. and inspired by early split‑dugout logboats, the shad boat reflects the state’s coastal heritage.

Image: Model of shad boat on display at NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort.
Image: George Washington Creef Sr. (Image courtesy NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort).

The Salty Dawg Speaker this week is coming all the way from the Battleship "North Carolina" in Wilmington! Join museum e...
06/15/2026

The Salty Dawg Speaker this week is coming all the way from the Battleship "North Carolina" in Wilmington! Join museum educator Trevor Freeman as he talks about North Carolina's Black Patriots of the American Revolution.



Image: Public domain; attributed to artist T. Payton; a sketch of a Black soldier from an unidentified Continental regiment.

Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed June 14, 2026, as Flag Day in honor of Old Glory. This national observance...
06/14/2026

Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed June 14, 2026, as Flag Day in honor of Old Glory. This national observance commemorates the day in 1777 when the Stars and Stripes were adopted as the official flag of the United States.

North Carolinians are encouraged to fly the U.S. flag at full staff to honor our nation’s history, service members, and veterans. This day also marks the U.S. Army's birthday, adding special significance to the celebration.

As we near the 250th anniversary of our nation, this Flag Day feels especially meaningful.

Photos shown:
First: Chimney Rock State Park, June 2025. Photo courtesy of North Carolina State Parks and Recreation

Second: USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship

Third: North Carolina State Capitol

Address

59200 Museum Drive
Hatteras, NC
27943

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+12529860720

Website

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