Battleship North Carolina to celebrate 65 years in Wilmington with weekend events
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Battleship North Carolina is marking 65 years at its permanent home on the Cape Fear River with a weekend of celebrations, tours, music and patriotic lights.
The Battleship arrived in Wilmington on Oct. 2, 1961, following the statewide Save Our Ship campaign. More than 700,000 North Carolina schoolchildren were among those who contributed to the effort to preserve the World War II battleship.
The ship now serves as the state’s memorial to roughly 11,000 North Carolinians who died during World War II.
The 65th “Berth-Day” celebration runs Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4.
“This anniversary belongs to North Carolina,” Battleship Executive Director Dr. Jay Martin said. “Sixty-five years ago, people across the state came together to save this ship and bring her home. We’re inviting them back — along with a new generation of visitors — to celebrate what they accomplished and help us carry the Showboat into her next 65 years.”
Events begin at noon Friday with a birthday celebration aboard the ship, including cake and a “Happy Berth-Day” sing-along. The celebration is included with regular admission.
On Saturday, visitors can take 60-minute guided tours of the Battleship’s Main Deck from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The tours cost $6 per person in addition to regular admission.
The Brunswick Brass Band will perform World War II-era swing and patriotic music during a Musical Salute to the Battleship at 7 p.m. Saturday.
The Battleship will also be illuminated in red, white and blue beginning at sunset each night from Friday through Sunday. The lights will be visible from downtown Wilmington, the Riverwalk and other locations along the Cape Fear River.
Special admission offers will be available throughout the weekend. People who participated in the original 1961 Save Our Ship campaign can receive $6.50 admission.
North Carolina and New York residents can receive $13 adult admission with a valid state-issued ID. Organizers say the price recognizes the 13 original colonies and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The weekend is intended to commemorate the Battleship’s arrival in Wilmington and the generations of people who have helped preserve it over the past 65 years.
