The Museum began in one room, staffed only by volunteers. It has grown into a professionally run, American Association of Museums accredited institution, housing more than 50,000 objects. The Museum was founded by a group of local women who wanted to preserve the objects and memories of the Civil War. Wilmington’s newly formed chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy was responsible for the Museum, which was originally housed in the Wilmington Light Infantry’s building.
Today, Cape Fear Museum collects, preserves, and interprets objects relating to the history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear, and makes those objects and their interpretation available to the public through educational exhibits and programs.
(910) 798-4370




