Raising More State Funds for the Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Same source as previous post.

Ted Davis' move to help the aquarium comes right alongside his efforts to secure funds for the adjacent Fort Fisher State Historic Site.  The Civil War fort is currently in the midst of a $22 million renovation project, which includes a new visitors center that is funded by the state.

Phase 2 of the project will include reconstruction of part of the fort and cost roughly $3.57 million, with the Friends of Fort Fisher (to which I belong)  contributing $1 million toward the project.  (The reconstructed area will be that part that was leveled for construction of an airstrip during World War II.) 

Davis has submitted a bill  that would have the state provide $2.9 million to help finance the next stage of the fort's renovations.  That bill, HB 297, is currently in the House  Appropiations Committee where it has been since March 8.

Davis notes that Fort Fisher is the most popular historic site in the state.

Old B-Runner

Raising State Funds for the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher

From the April 28, 2023, Wilmington (NC) Star News "From Venus' Flytraps to wetlands, what 4 proposed bills could mean  for the Wilmington area" by Gareth McGrath.

Yesterday I wrote about the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher's new otter pups.

This aquarium is a huge attraction at Fort Fisher along with the Civil War site and public beach.

Right now, there is a push on to provide money for the improvements of both the aquarium and historic site in the North Carolina General Assembly.

Even though these two are no longer in Representative Ted Davis' district, the Wilmington Republican has not forgotten about the Fort Fisher area.  He has submitted a bill for the state to give the aquarium $10.5 million or its  renovation project.  This proposal comes after Davis had previously helped secure $20 million for the project.

The last time the aquarium was renovated was 2002

The legislation, House Bill 710, is currently in the House Appropriations Committee.

--Old B-Runner

Those New Fort Fisher Otter Pups

A huge attraction of the former Fort Fisher near Wilmington, North Carolina is the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.  When I do Fort Fisher searches I often come across this place.

And, the big news out of there is that they now have three new otter pups who are now out for viewing.  Their names are Gemma, Kai and Rey.

I don't know about you, but watching a group of otters doing their otter thing is even better than watching squirrels.  And they sure have fun.  It ought to be illegal to have that much fun.

But, if you're planning on going out to see the new otters, you will need to purchase advance tickets on line.

RoadOtter

Just Too Cute: Three Baby Otter Pups at Fort Fisher

Unfortunately, I am unable to figure out how to add pictures to this or any of my other seven blogs.  I lost the ability and haven't been able to figure out how to do it.

But, if you really want to see something cute, just search otter pups at Fort Fisher and you will see what I mean.

They are at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, which is on the grounds of the former Confederate fort.

The folks there are looking to have people vote on names for them.  Though my three ideas for names aren't on their list, I'm backing Lamb, Whiting and Maffitt, three names connected to the fort during the Civil War.

After all, they must be Confederate otters.

Just Too Cute.  I Want One.  --Old B-Otter

Well, There Were Weeki Wachee Mermaids at Fort Fisher Last Month

Still looking for information on this Fort Fisher Mermaid, but, while searching, I did come across mention that the world-famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids were at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher back on March 3-5 and March10-12, 2017.

I really don't think these were the mermaids in question from yesterday's post.

Smells Fishy to Me.  --Old B-Runner

No Surprises: Fort Fisher Popular With the Tourists

From the March 6, 2017, Wilmington (NC) Star-News "No surprises -- Fort Fisher popular with North Carolina visitors" by Tim Buckland.

According to the annual list compiled by the Carolina Publishing and Associates. for the year 2016, Fort Fisher State Historic Site ranked #2 in the state with 830,136 visitors.  The #1 site was the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science with 937,341.

Other high-ranking Wilmington area sites were the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher with 472,471 (which charges admission and the highest of the state's other two aquariums) and the Battleship North Carolina at #21 (also charges admission).

The other Civil War site was Fort Macon State Historic Park at #3 with 802,706.

Of Course, It Is My Belief That Many of Fort Fisher's Visitors Are There Because of the State Recreation Area at Fort Fisher.  --Old BRunner

Fort Fisher a Mighty Popular Place to Visit

From the March 4, 2013, Wilmington (NC) Star-News "Fort Fisher, Battleship among the state's most visited attractions" by Gareth McGrath.

North Carolina's 30-most-visited museums and historical attractions:

#7  Fort Fisher with 564,269
#12 North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher with 433,954
#21 Battleship USS North Carolina with 211,043

These rankings are a good thing as the state has begun closing down less-visited sites such as the Governor Aycock home near Goldsboro.  The USS North Carolina is self-sustaining as far as funds.

By the way, the #1 attraction:  The NC Museum of Natural Science in Raleigh with 1,220,814.  (I wonder if that is based on class fieldtrips?  This wa sthe first time in the last nine years that Biltmore in Asheville wasn't #1.

Old B-R'er