Booking

Lecture Series & Online Programs

Discover the stories, history, and natural world that connects the Battleship to the Cape Fear region.

The Battleship’s lecture series offers a fascinating look into the stories, people, and history that shaped this legendary ship and the world around her. Held throughout the year, these programs explore topics ranging from World War II and naval warfare to regional history, preservation, and the evolving landscape of Eagles Island—the historic and ecological setting where the ship now rests. Featuring historians, researchers, and guest speakers, each lecture gives visitors the chance to experience the Battleship in a NEW way and uncover stories far beyond what can be seen on (or from) deck.

Can’t make it to Wilmington? We'll bring the Battleship to you.

Our online programs make it easy to explore the stories, history, and excitement of the Battleship from wherever you are. Interactive, engaging, and designed to be fun, these virtual experiences are perfect for schools, churches, camps, civic groups, scouts, and more. If you can’t come aboard, we’ll bring the adventure, learning, and discovery to your group.

Lecture Series

In the Shadow of Goliath: Blockade Runners of the Lower Cape Fear

The waters off Cape Fear hold the world's largest concentration of American Civil War shipwrecks. Between 1861 & 1865, the Union Navy sought to blockade the Confederate port of Wilmington, North Carolina, resulting in the loss of nearly 33 vessels along the coast and waterways of the Lower Cape Fear.

Join Stephen Atkinson, MA, RPA, Deputy State Archaeologist -- Underwater, for an exploration of blockade running activity in the Wilmington area. Drawing the North Carolina Underwater Archaeology Branch's ongoing archaeological monitoring efforts, Atkinson will examine notable wrecks while sharing stories and insights about the many vessels lost in the shadow of Ft. Fisher.

Lecture Ticket: $5
At the Door Ticket: $8
Friends of the Battleship Members: Free

Lecture begins at 6 pm on May 19th.

Sold Out

Between Ports & Peril: The Merchant Marine in World War II

What was it like to sail unarmed into a war zone? During World War II, the civilian sailors of the U.S. Merchant Marine transported troops, fuel, and critical supplies through dangerous waters--often under constant threat. This program explores the daily realities, risks, and resilience of the men and women who kept the war effort moving, bringing a life to a vital story that is too often overlooked.

Step aboard with the Battleship's Executive Director, Dr. Jay Martin, and explore this remarkable chapter of history.

Lecture Ticket: $5
At the Door Ticket: $8
Friends of the Battleship Members: Free

Lecture begins at 6 pm on May 20th.

Sold Out

Online Programs

The Art of War: Posters & Propaganda in WWII

Throughout American history and especially during WWII, there have been attempts through art and flyers or advertisements to get people to do, believe, or unite around something. Students will briefly analyze historical examples of recruiting or propaganda posters before closely examining several from WWII. Through this guided lesson, they will understand facts, fictions, emotional appeals and artistic license, and what these posters and slogans reveal about our history and culture at specific points. Students will then apply techniques and examples they have learned to create their own recruitment posters, appealing to their generation to perform some task or duty drawn at random.

Materials Needed: Drawing or writing paper, colored pencils, crayons, & markers.

This class is limited to 45 people and is $100 per group and/or session.

Battleship Buoyancy & Beyond

All ships have one thing in common--they must float! In this live, online program, students will explore the principle of buoyancy and more mathematical and scientific concepts that affect ships and their designs. They will particularly examine the USS Noth Carolina, the WWII battleship which entered service as a new, state-of-the-art design. Students will understand mass and displacement before also considering the challenges of wave action, stability, strength, and speed...just like a naval architect. Groups are encouraged to build simple models of ship hull segments ahead of time from supplied templates, before testing them during this program and modeling the concepts covered. As a follow-up, the instructor can assign the supplied design challenge to have students perfect their own type of ship.

Guided Program Materials Needed (Not Provided): Cardboard, aluminum foil, paper, scissors, tapes, coins, and a water tub.

This class is limited to 45 people and is $100 per group and/or session.