Improve Access to the CSS Neuse II!

The CSS Neuse Foundation  is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to maintaining and enhancing The CSS Ram Neuse II, the world’s only full-scale replica of a Confederate ironclad gunboat. The Neuse II also serves a living museum that gives a snapshot into the life of the 19th century Confederate sailor. We are raising money for both maintenance and improvement of the boat; the CSS Neuse II is still a work in progress. One of the Foundation’s main goals is to improve accessibility to the boat for visitors with mobility issues by adding a lift to the external deck around the boat.


The CSS Neuse II sits prominently on the corner of Gordon and Herritage streets in downtown Kinston, near the museum housing the recovered hull of the original boat. The all-volunteer staff provides tours of the CSS Neuse II from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and also by appointment. In no other place in the world is it possible to tour a full-scale replica of a Civil War-era ironclad built from original plans.


The CSS Neuse II has drawn visitors to Kinston from as far away as Ireland, Germany, England, the Philippines, Japan – and all 50 United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Throughout the year, the Foundation hosts events such as Breakfast on the Boat  and Wings over the Neuse . Because of its location downtown, the CSS Neuse II is a prominent attraction during festivals and events in Kinston.


Unlike the nearby CSS Neuse Interpretive Center, the CSS Neuse II Foundation receives zero state funding. The foundation relies entirely on donations to maintain and upgrade the boat—tours are free. As you can imagine, though, operating expenses can add up quickly.  Improvement projects tend to be expensive, too. Furnishing the boat with historically accurate items can be difficult, since they must be custom-fabricated or originals must be purchased. Several upcoming projects include:

 ·Complete the outfitting of the onboard replica Brooke Rifled Cannon

We need to add tracks to allow the cannon to pivot from gun port to gun port, as well as the tackle used to move the cannon.

 ·Purchase a variety of replica shells for the Brooke Rifle
 
The 6.4-inch cannon fired explosive shells, solid bolts,   canister, and grapeshot. Our plan is to have replica samples of each to use in our educational efforts.

 ·Manufacture replicas of the bags of coal and black powder used on the Neuse

We are fortunate to have members of our board with extensive knowledge of historical naval practices who can actually make the bags for the Foundation.

 ·Acquire a period cook stove or replica and build a hearth in a galley

Finding a replica or original cook stove could prove to be costly, and the associated construction costs for a hearth could add up.

 ·PRESSING NEED: Add an outdoor elevator so those with mobility problems can access the gun deck of the CSS Neuse II.


The Neuse II's replica Brooke Rifle

Your donation will go directly to the CSS Neuse II Foundation, and you can give with complete confidence that your money will go towards improving and maintaining the boat. Not only does your donation contribute to the Foundation, it contributes to the vitality of downtown Kinston and the surrounding community.
 

Please help us make the CSS Neuse II more accessible in addition to keeping it up and running and looking good!