Sailors in the Summer: Naval Living History

⚓☀️ Sailors in the Summer: Naval Living History ☀️⚓
📍 CSS Neuse Civil War Museum

Experience history firsthand at the CSS Neuse Civil War Museum during our third annual Sailors in the Summer: Naval Living History event! Step into the world of Civil War sailors on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and discover what life was like on—and under—the water during the war.

👕🎖️ Throughout the day, naval living history reenactors, museum staff, and volunteers will bring history to life by sharing stories about sailors’ daily experiences—from the food they ate and games they played to the tools, weapons, and skills they used.

🛠️⚓ Hands-on fun for all ages!

Explore engaging, naval-themed activities and exhibits, including:
Rope-making demonstrations 🪢🪢

Learn about ironclad ships, blockade running, and naval stores such as tar, pitch, and turpentine—essential materials that kept ships afloat. ⚓🛢️

Explore a torpedo display and learn how these early naval weapons were used during the Civil War 💣🌊

Examine fascinating artifacts from the museum’s collection 🔍

Enjoy a family-friendly scavenger hunt 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Staff members from the Museum of the Albemarle will be here to allow visitors to explore an archaeology outreach kit focused on underwater archaeology, shipwrecks, and how archaeologists study and protect submerged cultural resources 🌊⚓

🚢✨ Special Guest
Bruce, a board member from The Friends of the Hunley, will join us to discuss the history, construction, and conservation of the legendary H.L. Hunley submarine.

🎟️ Admission Rates
$5+tax – Adults
$4+tax – Senior Citizens & Veterans
$3+tax– Students
Free – Children ages 3 and under

Blue Star Museums Program

The CSS Neuse Museum is proud to participate in Blue Star Museums. All active-duty military personnel with a valid ID and their families (up to five members) receive free admission from Saturday, May 16, 2026, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026