Patriots Point to unveil $4 million plan Friday to upgrade museum experience

Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum will unveil a $4 million, five-year plan Friday to upgrade museum pieces on the World War II-era aircraft carrier Yorktown by employing cutting-edge technology that brings artifacts to life.

The Musaic Design Group will present the plan during the tourist attraction’s board meeting at 9:30 a.m. on the Yorktown.

Patriots Point received the Yorktown in 1975. The aim is to bring many of the static displays to life through technological and format improvements that enhance the visitor experience by making them interactive.

“We will bring ‘The Fighting Lady’ to life like no other historic ship in our nation,” said Patriots Point Executive Director Mac Burdette. “Visitors will leave the ship inspired and excited about the prospects of a return visit.”

The USS Yorktown (CV-10) Association and the Patriots Point Foundation are being asked to raise half of the funding.

The upgrade is expected to bring in 40,000 new ticket sales and an additional $1.2 million in revenue annually by 2016.

“Our Naval & Maritime Museum is truly one of the outstanding military and historic museums in the nation,” Patriots Point board chairman Ray Chandler said. “However, if we are to attract new generations of Americans to Patriots Point and remain competitive in the museum field, we must meet the standards and customer demands of the 21st century.”

Reach Warren L. Wise at 937-5524 or twitter.com/warrenlancewise.