Buried in the Graveyard: Curiosities from the Collections from the Maritime Museum on Hatteras

About

Want to gain an insiders' look at the Graveyard of the Atlantic? "Buried in the Graveyard" offers a look at some of the collections not on display in the museum. These artifacts are not on exhibit for a variety of reasons, including ongoing conservation, lack of suitable exhibit space, and not fitting in with the current exhibit hall narrative. 

Located at the southernmost end of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is one of three state-run maritime museums. The other two maritime museums are in Beaufort and Southport, located in areas of geographic significance similar to the Graveyard's location. Since its inception in 2002 as a private museum, the museum has strived to work with divers and the local community to reintroduce historically significant materials to the public.  

On June 6, 2008, the museum was formally recognized as a Regional State History Museum and was included in the North Carolina State Museum System.  This represented a new and increased level of professionalism and public credibility for the project. A combination of state and federal funds enabled the museum to complete construction of the main galleries and a significant collaboration with NOAA allowed exhibition work to continue.

The museum is the epitome of collaborative efforts between the state and private agencies. Over the past twenty years, it has become an invaluable resource providing a wealth of quality and educational opportunities for the general public, students, and researchers. The museum seeks to heighten public awareness for and foster greater appreciation and understanding of the resources and cultural diversity which constitute the Outer Banks' maritime history.

Building Architecture

It is the museum’s intention to eliminate, or at least minimize, damage and loss by anticipating and planning for disaster. The museum building is constructed to withstand any weather phenomena for which the Outer Banks is known. It can sustain winds of over 135 mph and gusts over 250 mph and is elevated 12 ft. above sea level, surpassing the thousand-year flood plain. The design team consulted numerous experts in the field in order to create a structure which exceeds current codes and sets a new standard for coastal construction. The overall innovative design uses ship’s curves and timber elements to evoke the spirit of historic seafaring vessels.

Mission Statement

Our goal is to present, preserve, and protect the maritime history and culture of the North Carolina Outer Banks.

"Buried in the Graveyard" was built in 2024 and maintained by Molly Trivelpiece, Education Curator at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum.