Down Into the Depths
We are installing two new permanent exhibits in the main hall. “Down into the Depths” explores the subject of deep-sea diving, while the other tells the story of duck hunting through a display of part of the museum’s collection of decoys—an array that will change periodically so that visitors may enjoy their variety.

Initially, both exhibits will rely on loaned objects for part of their impact. While we do not anticipate an abrupt end to either loan period, we would prefer to replace these objects with items that belong to the museum, and are looking to our Friends for support.

Immediate needs for the two exhibits are:

A hard hat (or helmet-type) dive suit $6,000.00
Duck hunting paraphernalia (punt gun, ammunition boxes, etc.)  2,000.00

2. Rebuilding the 42’ Barbour motoryacht “Stardust”
Barbour Boat Works built “Stardust” as Mr. R.R. Rivenbark’s personal motoryacht. Its elegant lines, gleaming white paint and varnished mahogany made it the pinnacle of the company’s products. “Stardust” was damaged by hurricanes before becoming part of the museum’s collection. We will rebuild the superstructure, refit the interior and install new diesel engines. Once restored, “Stardust” will become a splendid floating ambassador for North Carolina’s maritime heritage and the museum system.

3. The Nola Dare Project
“Nola Dare” was built in 1949 by Brady Lewis at Harkers Island. This 32-foot round stern fishing vessel is a very early example of a vessel with the famous “Harkers Island Flare Bow.”

After strenuous service in the commercial fishery and as a charter boat, “Nola Dare’s” condition has deteriorated to the point that restoration for further service would be prohibitively expensive. Instead, we have thoroughly documented “Nola Dare”, taking off the hull lines and recording its structure, so we can build a new “Nola Dare”.

The new vessel will faithfully duplicate “Nola Dare’s” original external appearance but will conform to all current US Coast Guard standards and will be powered using more environmentally friendly electric motors. The new boat also will duplicate the original construction methods so that its creation will serve as an effective education in traditional boatbuilding and celebrate the heritage of Harkers Island and its world-famous boat builders.

DON’T FORGET! THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO PARTICIPATE!

1) Join Friends of the Musuem

2) Volunteer to work on these projects

3) Financially support these efforts

4) Donate materials, equipment and supplies