Roanoke Island Maritime Museum opened in Manteo in 1998. The museum is located in the George Washington Creef Boathouse nestled along side the downtown waterfront.
The Boathouse is named after George Washington Creef, a local builder who developed the Shad boat in the 1870’s. Creef combined traditional split-log techniques with conventional plank-on-frame construction. This unique style of work boat was well-suited to rapidly- changing weather conditions and the surrounding waters of the Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds making it a vessel in high demand by coastal fisherman. Construction of these boats ended in the 1930’s, but they are still seen on the water due to their solid construction. Though nearly 100 years old, they are a timeless piece of local history. The Shad boat was designated as the State Boat of North Carolina in 1987. The museum has on exhibit a number of small watercrafts showcasing the community’s maritime heritage. Some of the watercraft exhibits include Ella, an 1883 Creef Shad boat, a clipper yawl boat, a 1960 era hydroplane, and other small boats.
