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.

E. E. Smith House Open House

A new semester is about to begin! Join museum staff for a look inside the E.E. Smith House at 135 Blount Street. Learn about the life and legacy of one of Fayetteville’s own educators, Dr. Ezekiel Ezra Smith, and his impact on the community. Built in 1902, the E.E. Smith house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Call 910-433-1457 to register.
All ages; Sat., Aug. 1; noon-2 pm; Free

Spring Break Facts of Foolishness Scavenger Hunt 

Will you find the clues to our local history mysteries? From April 7-11, kids can search for special local history questions (and their answers) hidden throughout our exhibits. This self-guided activity is perfect for Grades 2-5 who are eager to learn more about Fayetteville and the surrounding area.  
5-12 yrs; Tues.-Sat.; April 7-11; During museum hours; Free 

City Market at the Museum Spring Kick-off 

Saturday, April 11, is the perfect spring day to kick off the 2026 season of the City Market @ the Museum. The Market meets every 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. Lots of 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., April 11; 9 am-1 pm; Free  

Monday Walking Tours in May 

Join a local historian for a walking tour of historic downtown Fayetteville on the first three Mondays in May. Call 910-433-1457 to register for this event.
All ages; Mon.; May 4, 11, 18; 10 am; Free 

Tea of the Town - Summertime Bus Tour 

Looking for something to do on a warm summer day? Are you interested in hearing about the tea of Fayetteville’s past? We have just the thing to satisfy that curiosity. Join us at the Fayetteville History Museum on Monday, June 15 to hop on a bus for a tour you are not soon to forget. Visit sites with salacious scandals, calculated conspiracies, and perhaps even a cemetery or two. Space is limited and registration is required, so book your spot early! Participants will travel via bus, but the tour does involve some walking. For more information, call the museum at (910) 433-1457. Register online or at the Fayetteville History Museum. 
13+; Mon., June 15; 9 am-1 pm; $5  

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; End of July; Keep an eye on the Museum social media for updates on this event; 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  

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:

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