By Liz Mitchell
History lovers, don’t miss the rare
behind-the-scenes tour of the unrestored portions of the
Battleship North Carolina on March 13.
Views of the areas that aren’t often open for the public include the bow, third deck, engine room #3, cold storage compartments and the fire control tower. The third deck includes ammunition handling, the engineer’s office and the torpedo area, and the Azalea Coast Radio Club will explain their work on the ship’s radio transmitters on this deck.
This is a look back in time on the most decorated battleship of World War II. The behind-the-scenes tour is a treat offered only a few times each year, although the ship is open daily year-round for regular tours of the restored areas. The ship is a memorial and a museum with a large collection of photographs, textiles, documents, art and memorabilia with historical interpretation of five different ships named North Carolina. Special programs are offered for Easter, Memorial Day and Halloween, and there is a special film festival with movies played on the ship’s fantail. Living history interpreters occasionally present special programs that reenact the daily duties and drills of a battleship.
The hidden battleship tour is limited to ages 12 and older. The tour will include climbing over knee-high hatches and narrow ladders, so be prepared. Wear warm, casual clothing and soft soled shoes.
The four-hour guided tours for small groups are scheduled 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Registration and pre-payment are required by March 5. No walk-up tickets will be available. The ticket price is $45. Call 910-251-5797, extension 3001, for your reservation.
The battleship is located on the Cape Fear River just outside Wilmington, N.C., at the northern edge of
Brunswick County.