Battleship North Carolina searching for the schoolchildren who saved her

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — More than 60 years ago, schoolchildren across North Carolina helped save the Battleship North Carolina with their lunch money.

In 1961, students and community members from across the state collected nickels, dimes, and spare change to “Save Our Ship,” raising more than $300,000 to bring the USS North Carolina home to Wilmington. Their grassroots effort rescued the ship from the scrap heap and turned her into a living memorial honoring the 11,000 North Carolinians who gave their lives in World War II and the 9,000 crew members who served aboard.

Now, the Battleship North Carolina, part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is looking to reconnect with those original “North Carolina Navy” members,  the children, families, and community leaders whose small donations made a lasting impact.

“Children across North Carolina emptied their piggy banks to bring the Battleship home,” said Dr. Jay Martin, executive director of the Battleship North Carolina. “We want to ensure their contributions — and the story behind them — are never forgotten.”

The Battleship has already received stories that capture the spirit of the statewide campaign:

“There was very little extra money, but my parents managed to send many dimes with us to school to help save the USS North Carolina.”
“All of my brothers and sister and I sold drink bottles, raked yards, knocked on doors — most anything we could to raise money.”
“It was exciting to know I had helped bring the Battleship home.”

The museum is inviting others to share their memories, photographs, or videos at www.battleshipnc.com/dimes

Submissions will become part of a digital archive and may be featured in future exhibits and educational programs celebrating the people who helped bring the ship home.