Museum Updates

Last Updated June 19, 2024

Great News: Site Update!

The Wilmington City Council has unanimously passed a resolution supporting Wilmington as the future site of our museum. This milestone marks an exciting next chapter for the NC Submarine Museum Foundation, and we are incredibly grateful to the city of Wilmington and everyone who has supported us along the way. Go Navy! ⚓

What This Means for Us

This resolution is a significant step forward in our journey to establish a premier museum dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who served aboard the three U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarines named in honor of North Carolina: the USS Asheville (SSN 758), the USS Charlotte (SSN 766), and the USS North Carolina (SSN 777), which was commissioned in Wilmington in 2008.

Our Vision for the Museum

The NC Submarine Museum will offer a unique experience that goes beyond traditional submarine museums. Visitors can look forward to:

Interactive Technologies: Simulations of living and working aboard a nuclear-powered submarine, using evolving alternate reality and virtual reality technologies to provide personal learning experiences.
STEM Education and Workforce Development Resource Center: Programs and exhibits that inspire and educate the next generation about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The center aims to address the skilled labor shortage in the U.S. Navy, which expects a shortfall of 100,000 skilled workers over the next eight years.
Community and Events Space: A venue for social and business gatherings, fostering a sense of community and engagement.

Partnerships and Collaboration

We are excited about the potential partnerships with Cape Fear Community College and the University of North Carolina Wilmington. These collaborations will help us interconnect with educational facilities across North Carolina and support the supplier industrial base workforce needs.

Timeline and Fundraising

Our team is getting a head start on fundraising for the project, aiming to have the museum completed by early 2028. The exact location for the museum has not been decided yet, but with the city's partnership, we will begin looking for a suitable site.

Thank You to Our Supporters

We couldn't have achieved this without the unwavering support of our community, donors, and the Wilmington City Council. Your belief in our vision propels us forward as we work to make this dream a reality.

Stay Connected

We will continue to provide updates as we progress with our plans. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Together, we are building something special. Watch the full Wilmington City Council meeting in the video below. Thank you to the Wilmington City Council for providing this footage.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with our plans to establish the museum and honor the legacy of those who served aboard U.S. Navy submarines named for North Carolina.