The CSS Neuse Museum has partnered with non-profit organization KultureCity to provide a sensory inclusive experience for all museum programs and events. This new initiative will make exploring the museum a little easier for visitors with sensory sensitivities, including people on the autism spectrum, as well as people with sensory processing disorders, PTSD and other needs.

The museum recently earned its Sensory Inclusive Certification in partnership with KultureCity, a national non-profit that focuses on sensory-inclusive technology, training and spaces. Museum staff underwent training to better understand and interact with guests with differing sensory characteristics.

"The training we received from KultureCity and the materials it provided will be invaluable to our community members,” said Rachel Kennedy, Programs Coordinator. “We are so proud to be the first North Carolina State Historic Site to receive sensory inclusivity certification.”

Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests at the CSS Neuse Museum who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like the CSS Neuse Museum. With its new certification, the CSS Neuse Museum is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when visiting the museum.

“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the CSS Neuse Museum is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing,” said Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity. “We’re honored to partner with them to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests!”

The CSS Neuse is the only remaining commissioned Confederate ironclad above water. It was part of a new technology that the Confederacy used to combat the superior manpower and firepower of the Union Navy. Learn about this technological advance and warfare in eastern North Carolina at the CSS Neuse Museum. The Confederate Navy launched the CSS Neuse attempting to gain control of the lower Neuse River and New Bern, but ultimately destroyed the vessel to keep it out of Union hands. The CSS Neuse Museum is located at 100 N. Queen St., Kinston, N.C., and open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: adults $5, senior/active military $4, Students (ages 3-12) $3, ages 2 and under free.

For additional information, please call Rachel Kennedy at (252) 526-9600 x222. The CSS Neuse Center is within the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office, and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov.