We Help Maritime History Thrive
The Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum bring people, resources and opportunities together to strengthen the Museum in Beaufort and preserve North Carolina’s maritime heritage.
Our Mission
The Friends support and enhance the mission of the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort through communications, programs and financial support.
Who We Are
A nonprofit community of members, donors, volunteers and partners committed to helping the Museum go further.
The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort is a state-funded institution dedicated to the care, display and interpretation of our state’s maritime heritage. Public funding provides many essential needs. The Friends provide the additional support that helps the Museum expand programs, improve experiences and pursue opportunities beyond the limits of state funding.
Nonprofit Support
We serve as the Museum’s private nonprofit support and membership organization.
Community Partnership
We connect supporters, volunteers, businesses and community partners with the Museum’s mission.
Financial Stewardship
We raise and responsibly direct private support toward programs, equipment, facilities and preservation.
Maritime Advocacy
We help keep North Carolina’s coastal stories, traditions and natural history accessible to future generations.
State funding makes the Museum possible. The Friends make it great.
What We Do
The Friends work alongside Museum leadership to turn private generosity into lasting public benefit.
- Underwrite new Museum projects and initiatives
- Purchase boats, equipment and program materials
- Administer grants and private contributions
- Fund educational and public-awareness programs
- Support exhibitions, events and volunteer activities
- Help acquire and care for land, facilities and properties
Why It Matters
Private support enables the Museum to go above and beyond in creating exhibitions, programs and experiences for children, adults, families and visitors.
Every membership, donation, sponsorship and volunteer hour helps preserve maritime stories and strengthen the Museum’s connection to coastal communities.
Learn More About the Friends
Explore our history, meet our leadership and see how private support strengthens the Museum.
Our History
Discover how a volunteer advisory group became the nonprofit organization supporting the Museum since 1977.
Read Our History →Our ImpactHow We Help
See how members, donors, sponsors and volunteers support education, preservation and community programs.
See the Impact →Our TeamFriends Staff
Meet the staff members who lead fundraising, communications, membership and daily operations.
Meet the Staff →Our LeadershipBoard of Directors
Meet the community leaders who guide the Friends’ strategy, stewardship and service to the Museum.
Meet the Board →Get InvolvedVolunteer
Share your time, interests and skills through Museum programs, events and meaningful service opportunities.
Volunteer With Us →Become a MemberJoin the Friends
Become part of the community that helps preserve maritime heritage and strengthen Museum experiences.
Join or Renew →A Legacy of Going the Extra Distance
Museum patrons established the Friends in 1977 so people across North Carolina could help the Museum grow and prosper in areas where state funding could not.
Since then, the Friends have supported educational programs, publications, exhibitions, boats, facilities, research, the Watercraft Center, Junior Sailing and the development of Gallants Channel.
Be Part of the Museum’s Next Chapter
Your membership, donation, sponsorship or volunteer service helps preserve North Carolina’s maritime heritage and create meaningful experiences for generations to come.