Wilmington North Carolina is a coastal city that is known for its gorgeous waterfront location and natural beauty. But this particular community is one that has a rich historical past. From its part in the Civil War to the dunes upon which the Wright brothers tested their flying machines, Wilmington has played a major role in the development of the region and the country as a whole. The museums that are located within this city pay homage to the historical achievements and events that have shaped it into what it is today. Below are just a few of the many museums that you can visit.
Battleship North Carolina
The USS North Carolina is moored just down the river from the center of the city. Construction on the ship started in October of 1937 and she was commissioned on April 9, 1941. At the time, the ship was among the finest in the American fleet. Over the course of World War II, the USS North Carolina was involved in all of the significant naval offenses that took place in the Pacific, earning a total of 15 battle stars.
After surviving the war (despite mistaken reports made by Japanese radio announcers that she had sunk), USS North Carolina was turned into a training vessel. Aboard her decks, midshipmen were able to learn how to operate the ship before moving on to their assigned posts. On June 27, 1947 the ship was decommissioned. Ultimately, USS North Carolina was opened as a museum, allowing Wilmington residents and visitors to experience this piece of history.
Bellamy Mansion
This mansion is a spectacular example of antebellum architecture that holds the Museum of History and Design Arts. The mansion was built 150 years ago and has been restored to showcase the beauty of architecture from this time period. In addition to providing a stunning example of the living quarters of the Bellamy family, as the house was commissioned by John Dillard Bellamy, this property also has rare slave quarters intact. Additionally, the mansion is home to the Bellamy Garden, which features magnolia grandifloras and has been designed to reflect the original mid-nineteenth century environment.
Cape Fear Museum
The Cape Fear Museum is one of the most popular in the area, as it showcases the science and history of this geographic region. The organization has numerous ongoing exhibits, including Cape Fear Stories, Land of the Longleaf Pine, the maritime pavilion, the Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery, Williston Auditorium, and the giant ground sloth. Additionally, the museum has feature exhibits, which allow it to bring in exciting new historical and scientific programs while continually offering new knowledge to visitors.
This museum is a family favorite because of the variety of programs that it offers. The CuraTOURial program allows adults to learn what it is like to act as a curator. The Learning Center, Cape Fear Skies, museum carts, and the What Is Your Cape Fear Story? programs all allow families to learn together while enjoying the museum environment. Finally, kids can explore more about the region through school and summer programs, which allow them to engage in educational activities that support their understanding of the Cape Fear area.
Whether you are looking to visit Wilmington or relocate to this wonderful city, you should certainly check out the museums that it has to offer. Through these diverse organizations you can explore the history of the region and learn more about how the city’s past has shaped it into what it is today.
