Fayetteville History Museum

Fayetteville History Museum

325 Franklin Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301

(910) 433-1457
(910) 433-1458
(910) 433-1944

Museum Hours

Tuesday - Saturday
10 am-4 pm

Closed
Sunday & Monday


General Information

The Fayetteville History Museum is the hub for history in Downtown Fayetteville. From the history enthusiast to families looking for fun, there is something for everyone here. Staff operates the museum, museum annex and other city owned historic sites. The museum is a wonderful educational resource filled with artifacts and exhibits focused on local history. Opportunities are available for tours and presentations for various interests and age levels. In addition to ongoing activities, we offer special programs throughout the year.


About the Museum

Located in the beautifully restored 1890 Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad Depot, the museum offers two floors of engaging, artifact-filled exhibits. The rich history of our area is told from pre-history through the early 20th century. Favorite spots in the museum include the steamboat interactive and the recreated Station Agent's Office. Exhibits are frequently rotated.


Museum Annex

Conveniently located next door to the museum, the annex continues Fayetteville's story with additional displays. Vintage cars, the recreated 1920s gas station, and Fayetteville's 1880s Silsby Steam Pump Engine are a delight. Exhibit topics also include plank roads, fire department history, and farm life.


Educational Opportunites

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

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.


Local History Speakers

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.


Volunteer Opportunities

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.


Historic Building Open Houses

Massey Hill Mill House Open House

Join museum staff for a look inside the Massey Hill Mill House Museum located next to the Massey Hill Recreation Center at 1612 Camden Road. Learn about three historic textile mills and their impact on the community they helped to build. Stop in between 11 am-noon. The Fayetteville History Museum invites attendees to register for this event by calling 910-433-1457.
All ages; Sat., July 11; 11am-noon; Free


Special Events

Downtown Alliance's 11th Annual Midsummer Magic Fairy Door Scavenger Hunt

Join the Fayetteville History Museum while we usher in the 11th annual Downtown Fayetteville Midsummer Magic event. This free 2-day Fairy Door Scavenger Hunt sees adventurers young and old traversing the downtown kingdom in search of adventure and magic. The museum has its very own portal to fairyland, find it and be sure to make note of our clue.
All ages; July 24-25; During museum hours; Free

City Market at the Museum Dog Days of Summer

In Ancient Rome, when the brightest star, Sirius, would appear in the sky just before the sun, in early July, it marked the beginning of the hottest days of the year. The Romans referred to this period as dies caniculares or "days of the dog star," which eventually became just "dog days." The Dog Days of summer run from July 3 to August 11. Celebrate the “Dog Days of Summer” with us at the City Market @ the Museum this year. Bring your pups for treats and pets.  
All ages; Sat., Aug. 8; 9 am-1 pm; Free 


Exhibits

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 Music History Exhibit

This temporary exhibit takes a look at Fayetteville's music history, from schools to the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, to artists who lived in Fayetteville. On display will be several artifacts including sheet music, images and more. Come check out our tunes!
All ages; Open Tues., Jan. 20; During museum hours; Free

 

Ongoing exhibits include:

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


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