Smithsonian Affiliate
Photo: Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Cape Fear Museum of History and Science collects, preserves, and interprets objects relating to the history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science is a museum in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. Founded in 1898, it is the oldest history museum in the state.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Tours on the hour Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM and Sunday 1-5PM. Built for planter Dr. John D. Bellamy in 1859, the Bellamy Mansion is Wilmington's most spectacular example of antebellum architecture. Today, the mansion operates as a museum of history and design arts, and is owned by Preservation North Carolina. See exhibits on architectural history, historic preservation and design arts, and see the newly restored carriage house and gardens. Plans are being made for restoring the slave quarters. Free parking lot on Market St. side of the museum and free street parking on block surrounding the museum.
Tours on the hour M-F with the last tour at 3:30PM. On Saturdays, tours on the half-hour, with the last tour at 3:30PM. From the house museum's own website: "Using the old jail as the foundation, the Burgwin-Wright House was built in 1770 by John Burgwin, planter, merchant, and treasurer of the colony of Carolina. In 1781, 'the most considerable house in town' was occupied by Lord Cornwallis as his headquarters shortly before his defeat and surrender at Yorktown, Virginia."
Children-friendly museum with unusual art and science installations and items.
Riverfront at Market & Water Streets.
Tour Old Wilmington and discover hidden history and a lost time as we travel to Wilmington during the Victorian Era (1837- 1901) Learn about Wilmington’s rich and colorful history as we reveal what life was like in Wilmington during the Civil War, customs and traditions of the day, sea tales, and folklore. Call for tour times. Walking tours start at the foot of Market and Water Streets, be sure to look for the Victorian Lady!
Cotton Exchange
Scary, creepy and mostly ghostly tales. Chills and thrills await you at one of the most historic and haunted locations in Wilmington. Bring your camera.