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

NEW! Historic Classroom at Orange Street School Open House

Join museum staff for a look inside the recently restored Historic Classroom at Orange Street School, located at 600 Orange St. Learn about the educational significance of the school, the Black leaders of Fayetteville who paved the path and the continuing impact this institution has in Fayetteville. Call to register.
All ages; Sat., Jan. 24; 11 am to noon; Free

E. E. Smith House Open House

A new semester has begun! 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; Fri., Feb. 13 and Feb. 27; 10-11 am; Free

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
 

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


Special Events

Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt

Pick a chilly Saturday in January to go on a hunt through our main museum galleries. Each Saturday in the month of January, kids can search for special local history questions (and the answers) hidden throughout our exhibits. This self-guided, family-friendly activity is perfect for Grades 2-5 who are eager to learn more about Fayetteville and the surrounding area. Prizes awarded while supplies last.
6+; Sat.; Jan. 10, 17, 24, and 31; During museum hours; Free

Black History Month Scavenger Hunt

The Fayetteville History Museum galleries share many facets of the impactful story of Fayetteville’s Black community. Individuals can search for special local African American history questions (and the answers) hidden throughout our exhibits. This self-guided, family-friendly activity is perfect for all ages who are eager to learn more about Fayetteville and its rich African American History.
All ages; Feb.; During museum hours; Free

Historic Cross Creek Cemetery #1 American Revolution Tour

Join a local historian this winter for a tailored tour of Cross Creek Cemetery #1 on the eve of the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge. Learn about some extraordinary Fayettevillians who experienced the American Revolutionary War firsthand, whether as a soldier, or a loved one who waited. Topics including cemetery iconography and architecture will also be explored. The tour begins at 339 N. Cool Springs Street, next to the Cross Creek Cemetery #1 signage. Parking is available along N. Cool Springs St. Participants will travel in the cemetery, requiring moderate walking.
All ages; Fri., Feb. 27; noon-1 pm; Free

Queen Anne's Revenge Conservation Lab - Bus Trip

Are you ready for an adventure? Join museum staff as we travel to the Queen Anne’s Revenge Conservation Lab in Greenville for an exclusive look at the work involved in the recovery of this infamous ship. This educational tour is an opportunity to see artifacts before they reach museums and speak to the specialists who conserve and preserve these relics of the past. Afterwards, we will grab a quick lunch (cost not included) and head back to Fayetteville. Register online or at the Fayetteville History Museum. 
13+.; Mon., March 9; 8 am-3 pm; $10  

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; 10am; 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  


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

Anniversaries Abound! 

America's 250 Anniversary

In 2026, celebrations for America’s 250th will be in full swing. Join the Fayetteville History Museum for a special look at our community when we were the towns of Cross Creek and Campbelton. This special exhibit will feature Fayetteville’s impact on the American Revolution and stories of those who were here to witness it.
All ages; Early May-December; Museum hours; Free 

The Fayetteville History Museum turns 20!

To add to the excitement of 2026, the Fayetteville History Museum will be celebrating 20 years of providing the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community with their rich local history. Our official birthday is May 26 but the merriment runs throughout the week! To cap off the occasion, we will host a museum party on Saturday, May 30 beginning at 11 am with light refreshments and other treats during the day. This exhibit runs throughout year, but the party is one day only. Stop by and celebrate with us while the treats last!
All ages; Sat., May 30; 11am; 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!


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