Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex

Looking for a way to spend your Sunday afternoon? Swing by the Museum of the Cape Fear, open on weekends! On Sundays, guided tours of the Poe House are given every hour from 1-5 p.m.
For more info: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/1897-poe-house

On this , take a walk through Fayetteville's Arsenal Park! Although historically used to store and produce ammunitions, the modern Arsenal Park is now a public space that memorializes the ruins of the site with interpretative signage.

If you've taken the kids on a Poe House tour and want to spice things up, try doing the History Ranger Scavenger Hunt! The scavenger hunt asks questions about the museum, Arsenal Park, and Poe House, making it the perfect activity for having fun while learning.

Fans of historical homes: check out the Poe House Instagram account . We'll use that account to share our , House Highlights, and other interesting posts about the Victorian era home!




Photo of Poe House interior by Chris Short on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chris-short/3579841672/

We were recently visited by some very happy campers! Group tours (15+ people) are now available, perfect for camp or school field trips. To schedule a group tour for your organization: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/plan-visit

that, centuries ago, the Indigenous tribes of North America made canoes by hollowing out massive trees with fire? This burn-and-scrape method of crafting a dugout canoe is still used today. To see a preserved dugout canoe and learn more about the process, stop by the Museum of the Cape Fear.

It's National , so take a load off at your local museum! Peruse the exhibits, stroll through Arsenal Park, and take a guided tour of the E.A. Poe House.

On this , we’re looking back on this historical photo of the Poe House. While Elizabeth "Lillie" Poe, did have an interest in photography, the shadow in the foreground indicates that this image was instead taken by a professional photographer.

Going, going, gone! Last week we bid farewell to the traveling exhibit "Seventeen Men: Portraits of the Men of the 25th US Colored Troops." Although we're sad to see the portraits and biographies go, we do have a new special exhibit in the works...

Want a souvenir from your local museum? After exploring the historical complex, stop by the gift shop! You can find the perfect memento and take advantage of our deals, like 50% off all books.

Yesterday was , a day of awareness for the cultural and legal issues children face. We're doing our part to support youth community engagement with our History To-Go kits, school tours, and educational programs. To learn about the changing role of children in the nineteenth and twentieth century, stop by the museum and tour the E.A. Poe House. See more: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/learn/history-go

Get your kit before they're gone! This month's History To-Go kits are now available on a first come, first served basis. For more info: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/learn/history-go

Today is National ! To celebrate, spend some time with the kids at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, whether that means exploring the museum, playing in Arsenal Park, or doing a scavenger hunt in the E.A. Poe House.

Weekend rainfall might keep you inside, but you can still learn about local history at home. Check out our online resources for kids and pick up this month's History To-Go box, or take a virtual tour of the reconstructed Arsenal Park at this link: https://youtu.be/xoTFTyCuXzU

Happening today: the presentation on FSU and the 1963 desegregation of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg schools! The presentation begins at 11 a.m. in the Local & State History Room at the Headquarters Library.

Check out this presentation on Saturday about FSU and the 1963 desegregation of Fayetteville.

FSU and the 1963 Desegregation Movement Learn about Fayetteville State University's 1963 Civil Rights movement that desegregated downtown in a presentation by Dr. Francena Turner of FSU. Then, Professor Charles Anderson will discuss the desegregation of Fort Bragg schools. This program is part of the Museum on Main Street Voices & Vot...

Today is the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, dedicated to raising awareness and protecting the rights of Indigenous communities. At the Museum of the Cape Fear, visitors can explore the rich history and contemporary cultures of the region's Indigenous peoples. We invite you to engage with this important history and consider ways to support Indigenous communities both locally and globally.

History buffs, check out this historical study of Halloween!

Hallowed: A Historical Study of Halloween

It's HERE! For a sample, visit: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hallowed-A-Historical-Study-of-Halloween-SAMPLE-11992345?st=1392b4e63e5531f767a9ef16d018b0dc

To purchase: https://thehomeschoolhistorian.com/hallowed-a-historical-study-of-halloween/
This short unit study uncovers the historical foundations of Halloween, unveiling religious and cultural practices surrounding its celebration. Both chronological and thematic, Hallowed attempts a balanced approach to why (and how) we celebrate Halloween.
Includes 6 lessons, appropriate for grades 4th+

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Disclaimer: This study is not to meant to glorify or triviliaze the occult which is often associated with Halloween, but rather dig into the historical roots of the way the US celebrates today. Subjects like trick-or-treating, Jack-o-Lanterns, black cats, and Samhain are considered alongside of Roman Catholic and Protestant histories. References to popular culture, the role of commercialism and mass production, the spiritualist movement, and other historical events will be included from a historical lens.

While you’re waiting, you can check out my other material: https://thehomeschoolhistorian.com/shop/

When the weather clears up, why not take a walk around the Arsenal Park grounds? If you can't wait that long, take an indoor tour of the museum or Poe House and get rid of those rainy-day blues.

that Cumberland County alone has 70 sites on the National Register of Historic Places? You can cross one of those sites off your bucket list on a tour to the E.A. Poe House, first entered into the National Register in 1983.
Find a tour: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/1897-poe-house

Are you passionate about serving your community and interested in local history? Maybe you're a student who needs community service hours? Come volunteer for the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex! Volunteers are an important part of the complex's daily operations and fulfill a variety of tasks.
For more volunteering info: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/volunteer-us

Due to inclement weather, the Museum of the Cape Historical Complex, including Poe House, is closed for today. Stay safe!

FSU and the Desegregation of Fayetteville: On Sat., Aug 10, 11 a.m., learn about the 1963 FSU protests that helped desegregate Fayetteville, followed by a talk on the desegregation of Fort Bragg schools.
Where: Headquarters Library, Local & State History Room, Fayetteville, NC

Today is National Purple Heart Day, honoring those who died or were wounded in battle while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The E.A. Poe House contains the WWI Uniform of Corporal William Van Clark of Pitt County, NC, an officer who was wounded in battle and earned a Purple Heart for his bravery. To view the regalia of this WWI uniform and other historical artifacts, stop by for a guided tour of the Poe House.

: want to sneak in a history lesson before the kids start school? Visit the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex! The 3-part complex hosts an exciting museum, guided tours of the Poe House, and the site of Fayetteville's Arsenal Park. Plan your trip: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/plan-visit

Calling all history buffs: get connected with the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex on all our platforms! To stay updated on our latest events and exhibits, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and at the Poe House Instagram .

NEWS: Due to inclement weather, the 1897 Poe House will be closed for tours today. The Museum of the Cape Fear is still open. Please stay safe and dry.

Available now: new History To-Go kits! Take history home with you every month at the Museum of the Cape Fear. This month's theme is based on the family of E. A. Poe—the brickmaker, not the famous writer. These kits are the perfect companion to a Poe House tour, which you can schedule here: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/1897-poe-house

Gather your friends and stop by the Poe House for a group tour! Group tours (15+ people) are available now with a reservation— perfect for family events, school trips, or church gatherings.
To schedule a group tour: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/plan-visit

Today is the last day for the exhibit "Seventeen Men: Portraits of the Men of the 25th US Colored Troops." Stop by the Museum of the Cape Fear to give these portraits and biographies a proper send-off. Schedule a visit: https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/plan-visit