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

To help kick off this unveiling, the CSS Neuse Gunboat Association will host an exclusive preview of the exhibit opening on the evening of March 11 from 6-10 p.m. Tickets for this event are $50 per person and include a catered dinner, musical entertainment, and one complimentary alcoholic beverage per person. Tickets can be purchased either at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretation 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 and a silent auction. The raffle prize is a 14-foot skiff that was handcrafted using 19th-century tools and construction techniques. This skiff will be something special to keep 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 evening. Only 100 tickets are available for this event so don’t wait to order them if you want to attend the event.

The CSS Neuse is the only Confederate commissioned battleship remaining above water. This was part of a new technology the Confederacy was using to combat the superior manpower and firepower of the Union Navy. Learn about this advance in technology and warfare in eastern North Carolina at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center. The Confederate Navy launched the CSS Neuse in an attempt to gain control of the lower Neuse River and New Bern, but ultimately destroyed the ship to keep it out of Union hands.

The CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center is located at 100 N. Queen St., Kinston, NC, and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: adults $5, senior/active military $4, students (3-12) $3, 2 and under free.

For more information, please call Rachel Kennedy at (252) 526-9600 x222. The CSS Neuse Center is part of the State Historic Sites Division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency whose vision is 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 North Carolina’s arts, history, libraries, and nature 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 NC Zoo, the first symphony orchestra supported by the , State Library, State Archives, NC Arts Council, State Preservation Office and State Archaeology, and Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.