Welcome to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum!
The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras is named in honor of the thousands of shipwrecks that rest in the waters off North Carolina’s coast and is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the state’s coastal and shipwreck history.
To help you prepare for your visit, here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions:
Where are you located?
The museum is located at 59200 Museum Drive in Hatteras. It’s at the end of the island just past the North Carolina Ferry Terminal.
What are your hours?
We are open year-round, Monday–Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We close for state holidays and for two weeks each January for extra maintenance and cleaning. Check here and on our social media pages for exact dates.
Are you open on holidays?
The museum is closed on all state holidays. This includes New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
What is your pet policy?
Pets are not allowed inside the museum. Only medical service animals, as specified by ADA standards, are permitted.
Is the museum accessible?
The museum offers two wheelchairs for visitor use, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The museum is fully accessible for those with mobility issues. Most audio-visual displays in the museum have closed captioning for the hearing impaired.
Where do I park?
The museum has a large parking lot behind it—look for monuments spread throughout! It is suitable for all types of cars, including RVs and trailers. No overnight parking is allowed. The small lot directly across from the museum is for beach access.
How long does it take to go through the museum?
Everybody is different! The museum is all self-guided, but we recommend planning to stay for at least one hour.
Do you offer special programs or activities?
Scavenger hunts for children are available at the front desk. Check out our Calendar of Events for information about upcoming events, including our Salty Dawg Lectures and Kids Craft Days offered throughout the summer, and other special programming
Our education center is open daily during museum hours and features several children’s activities including coloring pages, books, a giant Lite Bright and more. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the activities available in the education center on their own.
Are there public restrooms available?
There are restrooms located to the right upon entering the museum lobby.
Can we purchase souvenirs?
Meekins Chandlery, a gift shop run by the Friends of the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, is located at the exit of the gallery. Note that the gift shop closes over winter starting Dec. 14. It will reopen in the spring.
What is the admission cost?
Free! As part of the North Carolina Regional History Museum System, we offer free admission. If you are inclined, we have two donation boxes placed in the lobby and main gallery. Donations directly support museum operations.
Do you close for hurricanes?
Being on the Outer Banks, we take weather forecasts very seriously. If we expect weather to negatively impact the museum, e.g., forecasted hurricanes or flooding, we may preemptively close the museum. We will post these closures as soon as possible on the homepage of our website and on Facebook and Instagram.
Do you take object/artifact donations?
If you are thinking of donating an item, please reach out to us first via email or phone 252-986-0720. We cannot accept donations without an appointment.
If you find an artifact on the beach, the best thing to do is leave it! The beaches on Cape Hatteras are National Park Service property. If you feel the artifact may be of significance or in danger of washing away, you can take a picture, mark the location with GPS point (available on your smartphone map), and call the Cape Hatteras National Seashore at 252-473-2111.
Can I bring a group to tour the museum?
We ask that you please schedule tours and school trips in advance. Please contact us with your preferred date and time, and approximate number of participants.
We do not give guided tours, as the museum is designed to be fully self-guided. We can offer a brief introduction in our lobby to what visitors will see and answer any questions they may have.