When commissioned, on April 9, 1941, the battleship North Carolina was considered the world’s greatest sea weapon. The North Carolina’s state-of-the-art technology at the time and its talented crew made this ship a pivotal part of Allied success in World War II. In fact, the vessel earned 15 battle stars—the most of any US Navy ship in the Pacific theater. During the war, 2,000 young men called the North Carolina home, including African American steward’s mates and messmen, who served their country despite the Jim Crow norms in place.
Join curators Earl Ijames, Kim Sincox, and Mary Ames Booker, along with museum educator Sally Bloom, as they explore BB-55, nicknamed “the Showboat.” Text in questions, and we’ll answer them—LIVE! Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.