Sometime in early February, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum’s 10 millionth paid visitor will walk down the museum’s pier on Charleston Harbor to board the historic aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Patriots Point, which has an annual economic impact of nearly $30 million dollars, plans to surprise the visitor with a prize package worth more than a thousand dollars.
The prize package will include a Charleston Harbor dinner cruise for two people aboard a SpiritLine Cruises boat, an overnight stay at the Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, a helicopter tour of the Lowcountry from Fly In Helicopters, a complimentary meal at Harbor Breeze Restaurant, a $200 gift basket from the Patriots Point Ship Store, and two free admission passes to the museum for a year.
“This milestone is one to celebrate,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “Our museum has continued to bring history to life for several generations over four decades. Almost ten million people have walked in the steps of heroes and left here with a greater understanding of the power of the U.S. military and the sacrifices made during times of war and peace.”
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum opened on January 3, 1976. It is currently home to three historic warships - the USS Yorktown, the USS Laffey and the USS Clamagore - and 28 notable aircraft. The attraction has also recently added a 2.5 acre, interactive Vietnam War exhibit called the Vietnam Experience, and is home to the Medal of Honor Museum.
In addition to daily visitors, the museum hosts more than 20,000 overnight campers each year, and another 20,000 South Carolina students who attend the museum on field trips. Patriots Point is South Carolina’s top heritage attraction and has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence every year since 2013 from the world’s largest travel website, TripAdvisor.
Though an agency of the state, Patriots Point receives no appropriated funding for its operations. All operational and capital expenditures are derived from revenue-producing programs and property assets.
The winner of the 10 millionth visitor prize package must purchase a ticket. Prizes were generously provided by the following sponsors: Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, Fly In Helicopters, SpritiLine Cruises and Harbor Breeze at Bridgeside.