Field Trip Guide

Hints and Rules - Battleship Field Trip

Reservations:

Reservations are REQUIRED for your class field trip. They are extremely important during the months of April and May, as these are our busiest times. Should you need to cancel or reschedule your visit for any reason, it is a requirement that you call with your changes, as there may be other groups who are able to utilize your time slot. It is also a requirement that you arrive on time as scheduled in order to make your check in at the ticket window smooth. To make a reservation please call 910-251-5797.

Parking:

Parking at the Battleship is FREE and ample. Buses are required to park in the designated area. Directional signs are posted in the parking lot marking which bays are to be used.

The Tour:

The tour is self-guided, therefore groups may tour at their own pace by following the blue and white tour signs. It is recommended that your group plan for at least a two hour visit.

The Ship's Store:

The Memorial has a large store with many inexpensive items. Students are welcome to shop when their tour has been completed. The shop permits groups of 10 supervised students into the shop for approximately 5 minutes. This restriction is especially important with larger classes. A sequencing of groups can be worked out with a Ship's Store supervisor to help your group remain on schedule.

School Programs:

Students and teachers really enjoy this self-directed interactive program. Education staff greets the group outside the auditorium where the brief introductory movie is shown. Arriving at the top of the gangway, students learn to come aboard ship properly. After learning some fun facts about the ship, they then head below deck to the Marine Compartment where activity stations await exploration. Students may try their hands at semaphore and Morse code, typing on vintage typewriters, trying on uniforms and helmets, making signal flag necklaces or a photo matching game and handling original artifacts.

The Battleship offers this scheduled school program for grades K-6, Monday through Friday, 9am to 3pm, for groups of 29 or less, at a cost of $50.00 per program. Groups larger than 29 students may schedule consecutive programs. Programs last approximately 45 minutes, which includes 30 minutes in the Marine Compartment with activity stations. To reserve or inquire about a program contact Kim Sincox, Museum Services Director, at Tel: 919-251-5797 Ext. 3006 or email:.

Restrooms:

There are two primary sets of restrooms at the Memorial. One set is located inside the Visitors Center just across from the auditorium. The second set is located outside the Visitors Center near the snack bar. There is also one additional smaller set of restrooms onboard the ship.

Picnic Area:

A riverside picnic area with a covered shelter overlooking the Cape Fear River and downtown Wilmington is available on a first come first serve basis. There is plenty of grassy area for blankets if your group will not fit under the shelter.

Helpful Hints and Rules for Navigating A Successful Visit!
The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA welcomes the opportunity the share a part of our nation’s history with you and your students. A visit to the Battleship offers your students a unique learning experience they will not soon forget. However, as you most likely already know, a successful field trip takes planning.

Below are a few helpful hints which will help you and your students get the most out of your visit. Also listed are a few rules that as a teacher you will want to be aware of in advance in order to discuss them with your class prior to your visit.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR TEACHERS:

Take advantage of the educational material the Battleship has to offer and share it with your class. There are several activities available, including a video upon request. The more prepared your class is the more they will learn!

Explain to your class that the Battleship is an artifact to be respected. Your students will enjoy the tour more if they are aware of the history involved. Encourage your students to have fun and explore.

RULES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO REMEMBER:

The influx of large groups of students can create a traffic flow problem on the ship and in the Ship’s Store. In order to be fair to all our visitors and ensure everyone has a safe and pleasant visit, the following rules have implemented:

The Battleship requires your group to arrive at your scheduled time. If you are running late please notify us immediately so that we can adjust your time in the computer and we can inform you of how this will effect your touring time.

If your group travels a long distance to the ship, we suggest they use the restrooms located on the opposite side of the building from the entrance before checking in at the ticket window.

The Battleship REQUIRES that you and your chaperones remain with your students at all times. Unsupervised students will be asked to leave the ship with an adult supervisor.

Students SHOULD NOT run, jump, climb, scream, roughhouse or throw things.

No student is allowed to enter the Ship’s Store without a teacher or chaperone. Groups of 10 supervised students are permitted into the store at one time. Students are allowed a total of 10 minutes before the next group is admitted in order to ensure all groups receive shopping time.

Shoplifting is not condoned. Any instance will be brought to your attention immediately and appropriate action will be taken.

To maximize your time and ours, we request that only students with money be placed in groups to enter the store. Loiters will be asked to leave the store.

Groups that do not follow these rules will be sent a letter to the school Principal and teacher to notify them of their behavior.

The Battleship staff looks forward to having your class onboard. If you should have any questions or problems, please feel free to give us a call.

Finally, we have only one MANDATORY request of you and your class…
HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR VISIT!