The most important project at the National Civil War Naval Museum since its grand opening in 2001 is now underway.  That is the construction of the full-scale Civil War ship USS Water Witch, a side wheel steamer captured by Confederate Navy commandos in the summer of 1864.

This ship will not only act as a terrific signpost for the museum, it will also serve as an excellent new platform for museum and educational programming.

You can support this amazing project by buying a ship's "plank".  You may become a plank owner at several levels from $100 to $5,000 and even higher.  All donors will be recognized on a sign to be placed next to the ship once it is completed.  All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Nearly $800,000 has been raised for this project, but at least $150,000 more is needed to wrap up the project.  Construction has finally started this December, and if we are able to raise the remainder of the funds needed during spring 2008, the project will be complete by late summer.  Be a part of this exciting and unique project today.

For more information, please download the complete Water Witch brochure which contains a history of the ship, details of its construction, a map of its location at the museum and a more detailed description of the plank program.