Fayetteville History Museum

The Fayetteville History Museum is a wonderful, educational resource for the City of Fayetteville. In addition to a self-guided experience, guided tours are offered for schools, home school groups, scouts, churches, civic groups, military units, and more. Tours are free and can be adapted to suit the needs of a wide range of ages and educational objectives.

For more information or to schedule a tour or program call 910-433-1457 or 910-433-1458. Tours have maximum/minimum participant requirements. We open early for groups and tours can be shortened, lengthened, or tailored to meet your group's needs.

Tours of the Museum and Annex

Let staff lead the way through our exhibits. Our tours emphasize transportation and local history using a "now and then" approach to make the past relevant.

Downtown Walking Tours

Discover the history of local landmarks and walk in the footsteps of historically significant personalities with a tour of Fayetteville's Downtown Historic District. Your customized tour may include a visit to the Market House, the Fayetteville Light Infantry Museum and Armory, some of the historic churches, Liberty Point, Cool Springs Tavern, and Cross Creek Cemetery.

Preschool Group Special Emphasis Tours

We offer themed experiences for visitors ages 3 to 5. Each program includes a sing-along, story time, and exploration of specific artifacts in the museum and annex.

Need a speaker for your upcoming program or event? Staff at the museum offer presentations on a variety of local history topics to organizations and groups in the community. Whether it is military heritage, historic preservation, or anything related to Fayetteville or Cumberland County's history, we can help make your program a historical success.

Many people enjoy visiting the Fayetteville History Museum. Did you know that you can expand your experience by becoming a volunteer? At the museum there are a number of opportunities: greeting visitors, assisting with our collections, or helping with our exhibits. Expand your knowledge of local history and the museum's reach into the community. Help us let the history of Fayetteville and Cumberland County shine.

Guest Lecture Series

Join us for a special presentation in honor of America's 250th. Rev. Robert Alves will present a curated look at rare books related to the American Revolutionary War. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to view these books and to ask questions. Call to register.
All ages; Sun., Oct. 18; Transportation Annex; 2-4 pm; Free 

Native American History Month Bus Trip

In honor of Native American History Month, join museum staff for a special trip to UNC-Pembroke's Museum of the Southeast American Indian to learn more about the Indigenous communities in our area.
13+; Mon., Nov. 9; 9 am-2 pm; $5

Cross Creek Cemetery #2 Walking Tours

Established shortly after the Civil War, this sacred space is the final resting place for many Fayetteville citizens who lived in the 19th and 20th centuries. Cross Creek Cemetery #2 includes Brookside, an early municipally owned African American Cemetery. Museum staff will lead the tour every Friday in October. The tour begins at the corner of Lamon and Ann Streets. Parking is available along Lamon Street. Participants will travel in the cemetery, requiring moderate walking.  
10+; Fri., Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; noon-1:30 pm; Free 

A Dickens Holiday

Downtown Alliance will be celebrating its 27th running of this holiday filled, family-friendly event. The Fayetteville History Museum will open on this special day to welcome visitors to explore the museum and participate in our annual Victorian Scavenger Hunt. This is a great day to take a stroll through downtown. For more information, visit adickensholiday.com.
All ages; Fri., Nov. 27; 1-6 pm; Free 

City Market at the Museum Winter Holiday Celebrations

The City Market at the Museum invites you to shop local with us this holiday season. Each Saturday we will offer a Winter Holiday themed craft or activity for visitors (while supplies last) to enjoy while they check off their Holiday gift lists with local crafters and growers. The market meets on Saturday from 9 am-1 pm. Fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey and other farm products are offered for sale. These seasonal offerings along with plants, flowers, wood crafts, knitted goods, soap, candles, jewelry and other handcrafted products can be purchased. Several fun mini events are planned throughout the season. The market season runs from April-December, but a number of vendors appear year-round.
All ages; Sat.; 9 am-1 pm; Free 
Dec. 5: Create a Holiday Card
Dec. 12: Winter Holidays Around the World
Dec. 19: Winter Warmer with Hot Cocoa

National Soup Month Scavenger Hunt

With the winter chill in the air, what better way to warm up than with a little soup themed scavenger hunt! In honor of National Soup Month, every Saturday in January, kids of all ages can search for special local history involving soup hidden throughout our exhibits. This self-guided, family-friendly activity is sure to make you hungry for more information about Fayetteville and the surrounding area. Prizes awarded while supplies last. 
6+; Sat., Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; During museum hours; Free 

The museum features a number of exhibits to highlight specific people, events and places that impacted Fayetteville and Cumberland County. We encourage you to visit us often, as there is always something new to see and learn about the history of our area.
All ages; Tues.-Sat.; 10 am-4 pm; Free

Fayetteville's Deep Dive on America's 250th

Have you visited our Anniversaries Abound exhibit? Would you like to learn more about what was uncovered during the research stage? This display will be featured in our lobby on the first floor of the museum. This will be up for a limited time only, so don't miss out!
All ages; September 2026-February 2027; During museum hours; Free

Ongoing exhibits include:

African Americans Building Fayetteville
Anniversaries Abound!
Baseball
History of the Cape Fear River
Naval Stores
PreContact
The Art of Dying
The Fayetteville Observer

...and more!