The CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center is growing again! On March 11 the Center will unveil its final phase of permanent exhibits. Entitled, “The Civil War in Eastern North Carolina,” these exhibits will showcase a variety of aspects of the Civil War including causes, military engagements and personalities, and the involvement of women and African Americans during the conflict. 

To help kick off this unveiling, the CSS Neuse Gunboat Association will host an Exclusive Exhibit Opening Preview on the evening of March 11 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets for this event are $50 per person and include a catered dinner, musical entertainment, and one free alcoholic beverage per person. Tickets may be purchased either at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center or through a special link posted on the site’s Facebook page. 

In addition to the above activities, the evening will also include a raffle drawing and a silent auction. The raffle prize is a 14-foot skiff that has been hand-crafted using 19th-century tools and construction techniques. This skiff will be something special to hold on to for a long time. Tickets for the raffle are $10 each or 3 for $25. 

The evening of March 11 promises to be a fun and exciting night. Only 100 tickets are available for this event so don’t delay in ordering them if you want to attend the event. 

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 Civil War Interpretive Center. 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 Civil War Interpretive Center 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. 

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources 

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development. 

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 call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.