The decision to turn over the CSS Neuse site to the North Carolina Department of Archives and History was delayed after an all-day inspection last week.
Morris Bass, operations manager for the CSS Neuse and Governor Caswell Memorial, said state officials will likely return in two weeks to assess the building holding the historic gun boat.
“I’m not 100 percent sure,” he said, “but that was my understanding before we left the meeting.”
He said he met with state contractors and engineers — among other officials — Tuesday morning. They toured the site located at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center on
The entrust of the CSS Neuse remains by the state has been in process since 2010, Bass said. He said inspectors weren’t completely satisfied with the building for “reasons I can’t communicate at this time.”
According to
“It’s part of a story,” Rowland said. “We have artifacts recovered from that. They are unique and one-of-a-kind that will, I’m sure, be studied for generations to come.”
Rowland first started working with the CSS Neuse in 1958 when it was still in the
If representatives from the Department of Archives and History take over the old site after the upcoming inspection, managers will determine an operational set-up, such as employees and site displays.
“Once it’s turned over, it will be a matter of putting exhibits up,” Bass said, “I wish I had better news, but that’s all I’ve got right now.”
Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 or at jessika.morgan@kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.