Nestled in the charming town of Hatteras, NC, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum provides a glimpse into the legendary maritime history of the Outer Banks. The museum is a part of the North Carolina Maritime Museum System. The other two museums in the system are the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Southport and the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. You can find the best places to stay in the Outer Banks from the premium selection of OBX vacation rentals offered by Atlantic Realty. Find any amenities your heart desires, such as private pools, theater rooms, and even pet-friendly options!
Explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, NC
A Journey Through History
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is named after the dangerous waters off the coast of North Carolina, which have claimed many ships over the centuries. The museum chronicles the tales of these shipwrecks, shedding light on the bravery, tragedy, and intrigue defining this Atlantic Ocean stretch. Admission is free, but donations are always welcome!
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum Exhibits and Attractions
The USS Monitor Exhibit: Discover the fascinating history of this warship, which met its demise in the Graveyard of the Atlantic about 16 miles off the Hatteras coast. You can view some of the artifacts at the museum!
First Order Lens from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse: The Graveyard Of The Atlantic Museum lobby features the original First Order Lens from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in 1854.
Pirate Legends: Delve into the legends of pirates who once roamed the waters of the Outer Banks. Learn about infamous figures like Blackbeard and see artifacts that bring their stories to life.
Wreck of the U-85: By negotiating with local divers and the Federal Republic of Germany, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum will soon display the transcription machines, Enigma encoding, and other related materials from the wreck of U-85.
Lightship Diamond Shoals: This is a new museum exhibit that centers around the recovered bell from the Lightship Diamond Shoals, which the Germans sunk in 1918.
Museum Building Designs: The curves and timber elements of seafaring vessels inspire the design of the building design of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. It is built to last and can withstand over 135 mph of sustained winds and over 250 mph gusts of winds. Standing 12 feet above sea level surpasses the thousand-year flood plain.
Gift Shop: The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum features an on-site gift shop. Take some of the cherished memories from your trip to the Outer Banks home with you in physical form!
Special Events: The museum hosts special events for guests of all ages throughout the year that are both educational and fun.
