On July 4, 2011, the Maritime Museum opened the doors at its new location after months of construction, reconstruction and loving volunteer effort. With double the space of the old museum and a raised, open beam ceiling that resembles a ship’s hull turned upside down, the museum has the feel of maritime history. In addition to the display area that houses more than 2,000 original artifacts and Southport memorabilia and a gift shop, there is a classroom, offices and a library. The layout of the display room has a circular flow design that takes you through exhibits of maritime life from the time of the American Indians to the present and includes a pirate exhibit and WWI and WWII exhibits as well as interactive exhibits such as steering a ship’s wheel and tying nautical knots. The museum is slated to be designated the bockade-runner museum for the state.