Glimpses of two of our nation's most pivotal wars can be found in Kinston at two historical sites. At the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial, located on Vernon Avenue, you will explore the celebrated life of Richard Caswell, the first governor of the independent state of North Carolina, and his role in establishing North Carolina as part of the United States.

Hours and Location

CSS Neuse Museum
Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday, and designated state holidays.

100 N. Queen St.
Kinston, NC 28501

Caswell Memorial
Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

2612 W. Vernon Ave. (U.S. 70 Bus.)
Kinston, NC 28504

Visitors should call ahead, as hours sometimes change unexpectedly. Large groups should call 252-526-9600, ext. 222 or 221.

Admission

Adults - $5 plus tax
Seniors/Retired Military (65+) - $4 plus tax
Active Military (w/ ID) - $4 plus tax
Children (Ages 4 - 12) - $3 plus tax
Children (Ages 0 - 3) - Free

We are a Blue Star Museum. We offer free admission to active-duty military personnel with valid identification and up to five accompanying family members from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Please follow us on social media for updates.

Special rates for groups of 10 or more.

Adult Group Rate: $3.00 per person

Student Group Rate (no activities): Free

Student Group Rate (with activities): $2.00 plus tax/per student

Self-Guided Tours

The CSS Neuse Museum is set up for self-guided exploration. However, we now offer an audio tour that you can download for free from Google Play and the App Store. Please search for CSS Neuse Museum Tours. We do have guest WIFI available.

Guided Tours

Guided tours of the CSS Neuse Museum and the Governor Richard Caswell Memorial are available upon request. We ask that groups make reservations in advance by calling 252-526-9600, ext. 223 or 221. Adult groups are $3 per person, plus tax.

Please choose ONE of the options below for your guided tour:

First Floor Tour - Discover the importance of Kinston during the Civil War. Visitors can view the remains of the CSS Neuse, explore its history by learning about the crew who served on it, see artifacts recovered from the wreckage, and hear about its role in the conflict. Additionally, you will find out what happened to the ship at the end of the war. (Approximate length: 45-60 minutes)

Mezzanine Tour—This tour offers a glimpse of life in Kinston during the war. Our exhibits feature eyewitness accounts and period artifacts, including clothing, textiles, merchandise, and tools. You'll also learn about religious practices and mourning rituals. We also have some exciting exhibits that explore the Civil War in eastern North Carolina. You can read about the United States Colored Troops, the First Battle of Kinston, the Battle of Wise’s Fork, and many other significant events. (Approximate length: 45-60 minutes)

School Field Trips

ATTENTION EDUCATORS!

Starting August 1, 2025, North Carolina Historic Sites will implement a new fee for field trip activities. Admission and self-guided tours will be free for K–12 students in public, private, and registered home schools at most sites. At the CSS Neuse Museum, the new field trip activity fee will be $2 + tax per student for enhanced learning experiences beyond the free self-guided tour. This means that if you want your students to take part in our hands-on field trip activities, there will be a fee of $2.00 plus tax per student.

If you have any questions, please email Randi at randi.shaw@dncr.nc.gov or call 252-526-9600, ext. 223. 

Group Reservations

Facilities

CSS Neuse Civil War Museum

At the CSS Neuse Civil War Museum, which is now located downtown, you will see the remains of the Confederate ironclad, the CSS Neuse. The museum's first floor offers visitors valuable insights into Kinston's location, the ship's historical significance, sailors' lives, and the ship's recovery. The mezzanine level features a range of exhibits showcasing the rich history of Lenoir County, including African American history, textiles, mourning customs, and the Civil War in eastern North Carolina. Visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the history of Burnside's Expedition, Battles in Kinston during the war, and the end of the war in North Carolina. 

The CSS Neuse Museum also houses offices, restrooms, and a gift shop.

Governor Richard Caswell Memorial
New exhibits were installed in August 2007, rededicating the building to Governor Caswell. Some of the items on display include Caswell's law books, family Bible, and his daughter's tea set. The Caswell Memorial building also houses offices, restrooms, and a small gift shop.

Trails, Monuments, Outdoor Exhibits
The Caswell family cemetery is located on the grounds. 

Picnic Facilities/Lunch Options
Some tables are available on the grounds at the Caswell Memorial, and there is ample space for a picnic. We do not have a dedicated space for students to have lunch at the CSS Neuse Museum.

Accessibility at the CSS Neuse Museum

Spanish

• Our museum map, orientation film script, audio tour, and guided tour script are all available in Spanish.

Guests Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

• Sign Language Interpretation for live presentations or programs is available upon request. Please make requests two weeks in advance by email at rachel.kennedy@dncr.nc.gov.
• Assistive listening devices are available for tours upon request
• Transcript of our orientation film in regular font and large font
• Transcript of our guided tour in regular font and large font

Guests Who Are Blind or Low Vision

• Digital Video Magnifier, Handheld Portable Electronic Reading Aid
• 3X Large Ultra Bright LED Page Magnifier with 12 Anti-Glare Dimmable LEDs
• Large print is available for our self-guided tour
• Signage for accessibility items with contrasting colors

Guests with Mobility Disabilities

• Wheelchairs are available to rent for free

• Walkers and a cane are available to use while visiting the museum
• An elevator that goes up to the mezzanine
• Accessible seating is available in the A/V room
• Accessible restroom stalls in both bathrooms
• Automatic doors

Guests with Autism or Sensory Processing Disorders

KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certification

The certification process involved training the staff at the CSS Neuse Museum by leading medical professionals on how to recognize guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle situations involving sensory overload. Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads, will also be available to all guests at the CSS Neuse Museum who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. These bags can be requested at the front desk.

With its new certification, the CSS Neuse Museum is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible at any event.

Before attending an event, families can download the free KultureCity App to view the sensory features available and their locations. Also on the App is the Social Story, which provides a preview of what to expect while enjoying a visit to the CSS Neuse Museum.

Additional Items:

• Noise-canceling headphones
• Children’s center activities, autism sensory educational toys, color and learn map tablecloth with washable fabric markers, and interactive STEM toys for brain development.
• Fidget toys, including pop-its

Children’s Center

Our children’s center has wheelchair access.

Interactives

Our interactives have colorful hands to let visitors know they can touch the item(s).

Gift Shop

The CSS Neuse Museum gift shop is stocked and supported by the Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum, a non-profit organization. All sales from the gift shop support educational programming and events at the CSS Neuse Museum. If you have any questions about how you can support the Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum, including sponsoring special events, or if you are interested in joining the board, please email president@friendofthecssneuse.org.