Maritime History Built in Miniature
Join model builders, researchers and maritime enthusiasts who share ideas, techniques and a commitment to creating historically accurate, high-quality ship models.
North Carolina’s Only Ship Modeling Society
Founded in 1995, the society promotes ship modeling while helping expand public interest in North Carolina’s maritime history and culture.
A Craft as Old as Shipbuilding Itself
The Carolina Maritime Model Society promotes the creation of high-quality ship models and encourages participation in this historic maritime craft.
The North Carolina Maritime Museum and the Friends of the Museum formed the society in 1995. Since then, it has become an important resource for people interested in model construction, ship research, maritime craftsmanship and North Carolina’s coastal history.
Members range from experienced model builders to people who are new to the craft but interested in learning more. The society encourages the free exchange of ideas, techniques, information and research.
Build With Precision
Improve model-building skills through shared techniques, demonstrations, practical knowledge and constructive feedback.
Research Maritime History
Explore vessel design, construction, rigging, service history and the people and communities connected to each ship.
Share the Craft
Help introduce the public to ship modeling through exhibitions, demonstrations, displays and special Museum events.
A detailed vessel model displayed during a North Carolina Maritime Museum event.
Purpose of the Society
The society encourages active participation in ship modeling and works to improve the quality and historical accuracy of members’ models.
Members freely exchange ideas, techniques and information while emphasizing that thoughtful research is the foundation of every high-quality ship model.
- Encourage interest and participation in ship modeling
- Improve the standards and accuracy of members’ models
- Share construction techniques and practical experience
- Promote research as the foundation of model building
- Increase public interest in maritime history and culture
- Connect model builders with Museum resources and programs
Society Activities
Society members participate in educational, social and public-facing activities throughout the year.
Monthly Meetings
Members gather monthly to share model-building progress, discuss research, exchange techniques and learn from one another’s experience.
Society Newsletter
A newsletter is distributed to members and interested parties approximately eight times each year, helping participants stay connected to projects, activities and society information.
Wooden Boat Show Display
Members mount a substantial one-day exhibition during the Museum’s Annual Wooden Boat Show each May, including a pond for radio-controlled model vessels.
Model of the Month
Members showcase their work through a rotating “Model of the Month” exhibit that highlights craftsmanship, research and a range of maritime subjects.
Every Model Begins With a Story
High-quality ship modeling involves much more than assembling materials. Builders study plans, photographs, vessel records, construction methods, rigging details, paint schemes and the historical context of the vessel.
Research helps model builders understand not only what a ship looked like, but how it was built, how it functioned and how it fit into the maritime community it served.
Through shared research and experience, society members help one another create models that are both visually compelling and historically meaningful.
Meeting Information
Meetings are generally held monthly at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Contact the Friends before attending to confirm the current meeting date and any schedule changes.
Carolina Maritime Model Society Membership
A current membership with the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum is required before joining the Carolina Maritime Model Society.
Friends membership supports maritime education, preservation, exhibits and community programs. Society dues support member communications, meetings and chapter activities.
How to Join
Joining is completed in two steps. First, confirm that your Friends membership is active. Then complete your Carolina Maritime Model Society membership.
Join or Renew the Friends
Maintain an active membership with the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum.
Join the Model Society
Select a one-year or two-year society membership and complete your dues online.
Attend a Meeting
Contact the Friends office to confirm the next meeting and learn how to connect with society members.
Location and Contact
Society meetings and activities are connected to the North Carolina Maritime Museum in downtown Beaufort.
Questions About the Society?
Contact the Friends office for information about meetings, membership, exhibitions, newsletters or society activities.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 252-728-2762
Build, Research and Share Maritime History
Join a community that brings vessels and maritime stories to life through detailed research, careful craftsmanship and the enduring art of ship modeling.