About Us

The mission of the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina is to support the Battleship North Carolina and to promote and perpetuate activities relating to the Ship.

The Battleship receives no funding from federal, state or local governments for its operations. The Friends, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, acts as the fundraising arm for the Battleship.  The Ship’s primary revenue source is generated from admissions, gift shop sales, rentals, donations, Friends memberships and other activities. 

The Friends also offer paid tours of the Battleship using certified tour guides and supports the daily visitors through the use of Ambassadors. For those interested in being more involved with the Battleship, the Friends can provide tour guide and ambassador training.

Lastly, to educate the public about the Battleship and the Friends organization, the Friends undertake community outreach to varied organizations.

Exhibits Sponsorship

The Friends of the Battleship North Carolina are proud to support the Museum Department with funding to assist, promote and perpetuate educational and restoration efforts of the Ship.

Some of the projects funded by the Friends include:

  • Restoration of the 26-foot Motor Whaleboat
  • Custom models of the Ironclad, Armored Cruiser and Submarine North Carolina and display cases
  • Visitor Center cases and graphics
  • Conservation of an original WWII Iwo Jima relief map
  • Acquisition and conservation of the 1827 watercolor of the Ship of the Line North Carolina
  • Bridge Restoration
  • Turret #2 Restoration

Join Us!

Your Friends of the Battleship North Carolina membership increases the impact of all of the Battleship’s programs — its artifact acquisition, support of exhibits, innovative research, restoration projects and commitment to education. You’ll also receive an array of valuable benefits, such as:

  • FREE admission for one year
  • 25% discount in the Ship’s Store
  • Discounts on ship events

Please consider joining the Friends and becoming an important part of our efforts to support the USS North Carolina. More information about the various membership levels can be found here. If you are not ready to join the Friends at this time, please consider a donation to Friends of the Battleship North Carolina