The museum exhibition philosophy is driven by the institution's mission to interpret the natural, cultural, and maritime history of coastal North Carolina and their relationships to our national ecosystem. It is an inclusive philosophy that embraces all socioeconomic classes, races, and creeds. The long-range exhibit plan has incorporated new primary research on women and African Americans in the state's maritime trades, such as the U.S. Lifesaving Service and the U.S. Lighthouse Service. Exhibition emphasis is on the interrelationship between people and the marine environment. Exhibits are designed to reach children and adults through multi-layer interpretation.
Physical construction offers a young person's view of exhibits with varied levels of platforms.
All exhibits are accessible to the physically challenged. All museum exhibitions are mission-driven and all are inclusive of race, creed, and gender. Primary, permanent exhibits are grounded in North Carolina cultural and natural history but their themes embrace national and universal marine and environmental issues. Artifacts reflect the early Age of Exploration, including the Roanoke voyages which established the first English colony in America. All three branches of government marine rescue services have a rich history on North Carolina's famed Outer Banks.