Cape Fear Museum | Wilmington

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science in Wilmington, North Carolina, is the oldest history museum in the state, founded in 1898. It serves as a dynamic educational and cultural resource, focusing on the history, science, and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear region. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a Smithsonian Affiliate, reflecting its national significance and commitment to high standards.

🏛️ General Overview

Established: 1898

Address: 814 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Phone: (910) 798-4370

Director: Sheryl Mays

Accreditation: American Alliance of Museums, Smithsonian Affiliate

Governance: Operated by New Hanover County

Target Audience: Families, school groups, tourists, researchers, and locals

Mission: To collect, preserve, and interpret objects relating to the history, science, and cultures of southeastern North Carolina

🕒 Operating Hours

Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Monday: Open only between Memorial Day and Labor Day

🎟️ Admission

Adults: $8

Seniors, College Students, Military: $7

Youth (6–17): $5

Children under 5: Free

Museum Members: Free

New Hanover County Residents: Free on the first Sunday of each month

EBT/SNAP Cardholders: Free admission for up to six people

🖼️ Permanent Exhibits

Cape Fear Stories

Chronicles 400+ years of local history: Native American life, colonial settlement, slavery, Civil War, industrialization, civil rights, and the modern era

Interactive displays and primary source artifacts

Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery

Focused on local flora, fauna, and environmental science

Features hands-on learning about Wilmington’s ecosystems, including marshes, forests, and the famous Venus flytrap

Named after the NBA legend and Wilmington native

Space Place

A family-friendly, interactive area exploring astronomy, rockets, and planetary science

Includes dress-up astronaut suits, space puzzles, and telescope models

Giant Ground Sloth Exhibit

One of the museum’s most popular features

Skeleton of a prehistoric Megalonyx jeffersonii found near Wilmington

Estimated to be over 10,000 years old

Natural Selections

Examines the scientific process and biodiversity of the region

Explores the geological history and human interaction with the natural environment

🖼️ Temporary & Traveling Exhibits

Solidarity Now! 1968 Poor People’s Campaign (Through August 31, 2025)

A Smithsonian traveling exhibit about the economic justice movement led by Martin Luther King Jr.

Features photos, protest materials, and historical narratives

Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen (Through September 7, 2025)

Honors the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black military aviators in the U.S.

Interactive kiosks, pilot gear, and oral histories on display

Pop-Up Exhibits & Seasonal Installations

The museum frequently hosts small pop-up exhibits that change every few months, often highlighting local history, art, or natural science topics

🎓 Educational Programs

Field Trips:

Standards-based programs in science and social studies for PreK through 12

Students explore both exhibits and participate in hands-on lab or history activities

Summer Workshops:

“Try It!” Workshop Series: Held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 PM during summer

Covers topics like rockets, fossils, animal tracks, electricity, and engineering

Outreach Programs:

Traveling museum kits, educator training sessions, and virtual programming

Curriculum support for teachers throughout southeastern North Carolina

Special Events:

Family Science Night, STEM Saturdays, African American Heritage Day, and environmental-themed festivals held throughout the year

🧾 Collections

Size: Over 56,000 artifacts

Topics: History, science, technology, material culture, and photography

Highlights:

Civil War artifacts and uniforms

20th-century toys, clothing, and domestic items

Photographs and documents related to Wilmington’s 1898 coup

Maritime and shipbuilding tools

Specimens of local plants, insects, and minerals

🅿️ Parking & Accessibility

Free parking behind the museum, accessible via Dock Street (between 8th and 9th Streets)

Accessible to people with disabilities

Restrooms, elevators, and all major exhibits are wheelchair-friendly

🛍️ Museum Store

Offers science kits, historical books, regional souvenirs, children’s toys, and educational materials

Open during museum hours

🧭 Summary

Cape Fear Museum provides a thorough and engaging experience of southeastern North Carolina’s past and present. It masterfully integrates history, science, and hands-on education for visitors of all ages. With a rich collection of artifacts, engaging exhibits, and a strong commitment to public education, it is both a community resource and a major cultural attraction in Wilmington.