From moving mail, families, and merchandise along North Carolina’s rivers, creeks, and coast, maritime vessels of all types have played a large part in North Carolina’s history. These vessels have helped contribute to and build North Carolina’s communities, economy, and culture. Once taken for granted these vessels have started to disappear from the world as they have rotted away and been forgotten. The North Carolina Maritime History Council is working with local boat owners to encourage the preservation of the vessels that remain by registering and recognizing their significance to North Carolina.
The Historic Vessel registry is an important way to encourage preservation of these North Carolina maritime treasures. The majority of the vessels eligible for the NC Historic Vessel Registry are either built in North Carolina and/or built by a North Carolina builder, though there are exceptions. Eligible vessel also include ones built outside North Carolina but that played a significant role in North Carolina’s history, such as blockade runners or ships named North Carolina.
If a vessel is found to be eligible for the North Carolina Historic Vessel Registry the owner will receive a certificate. This certification may assist the owner when applying for funding as it certifies the importance of preserving this vessel. If you are the owner of a vessel that you believe would qualify for the North Carolina Historic Vessel Registry, please contact the North Carolina Maritime History Council. As the owner you will be asked to provide documentation regarding the vessel before the vessel is discussed and voted on by the North Carolina Maritime History Council’s executive board.
Vessels accepted in the Registry:
Boat Owner date accepted
"Bonnerton Boat" (kunner) North Carolina Maritime Museum 5 Feb 1996
Tom Dixon North Carolina Maritime Museum 5 Feb 1996
Swift Dr. Thomas Loftfield 5 Feb 1996
Silver Chalice Elizabeth II Historic Site 5 Feb 1996
CSS Neuse CSS Neuse Historic Site 20 Oct 1996
Alvirah Wright Shad Boat Museum of the Albemarle 20 Oct 1996
Elizabeth II Elizabeth II Historic Site 20 Oct 1996
Lake Waccamaw Canoe Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum 30 Jul 1999
Mother Goose Piney Island Hunting Club 23 Aug 2000
Crawford Fire & Rescue Currituck Wildlife Museum 23 Aug 2000
Foul Play Roanoke Island Festival Park 23 Aug 2000
Ella View The Mariners' Museum 23 Aug 2000
Borden Spritsail Skiff North Carolina Maritime Museum 23 Aug 2000
Hide Tide North Carolina Maritime Museum 23 Aug 2000
Stardust North Carolina Maritime Museum 23 Aug 2000
Beasley Workboat Wilson W. Snowden 24 Oct 2001
Alice Bell Robert Potter 19 Feb 2010
Wilton Walker Hunting Skiff Currituck County Historical Society 18 May 2018
Wilton Walker Hunting Skiff Currituck County Historical Society 18 May 2018
Wilton Walker Fishing Skiff Currituck County Historical Society 18 May 2018
HISTORIC REGISTERY
CLASS: WALKERCRAFT
Walker Hunting Skiff under restoration
Walker Fishing Skiff
Walker Hunting Skiff