Wilmington, North Carolina is among the most historically significant African American regions in the United States, with ancestry dating back to the 1700s. Throughout the year there are museum exhibitions, themed tours and events that interpret Wilmington’s African American history. Here’s a roundup of activities that celebrate African American heritage during February, which is nationally designated as Black History Month.

Events

New Hanover County Library / Cape Fear Museum of History & Science

(currently closed for renovations)

Exploring the Lives of Williston Veterans, Feb. 15
Join Cape Fear Museum and presenter Tim Pinnick for a Sunday Talk exploring the lives of WWII Navy Veterans from Williston Industrial High School. Free event, with registration required, will take place at the Museum & Library’s new shared Auditorium at 230 Grace St.
 

Cameron Art Museum

Living History Day: 161st Anniversary of the Battle of Forks Road, Feb. 21 

Commemorating the 161st anniversary, the day features living history presentations, family activities, and engaging lectures by USCT Historian Jerilyn James Lee and author and historian David Cecelski.
 

Thalian Hall Film Screenings

Visit historic Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts for tours and shows all month long. Concessions are available, including beer and wine for purchase.

  • African American Experience Tour, Feb. 11, 13, 17, 19, 25, 27  | The purpose of this educational tour is to showcase how the historical experiences of Wilmington's African American community are integral to the history of Thalian Hall.

  • The Scottsboro Boys, Feb. 12-15 with showtimes at 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. | The Scottsboro Boys tells the true story of nine Black men falsely accused in 1931 Alabama and their fight for justice that changed America.

Thalian Hall

 

University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Kenan Auditorium 

Fisk Jubilee Singers in Concert, Feb. 20

Experience the rich harmonies and powerful legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the world-renowned ensemble preserving over 150 years of history through the soul-stirring tradition of Negro Spirituals.
 

WilmingtoNColor

Black His/Her story Carnival & Block Party, Feb. 21

This is a great celebratory event for the whole family to be entertained and educated about Wilmington's Rich Heritage around food, music, culture, and fun.

 

ONGOING TOURS 

Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts

Designed with Greek Revival and Italianate styling, this 22-room house was constructed with the labor of both enslaved skilled carpenters and local, freed black artisans. On the northeast corner of the lot stands the original brick slave quarters, which is among the most well-preserved urban slave quarters in the country. Two tour options are available throughout the day: an audio tour accessible with any Smartphone or self-guided paper tours.

 

Cameron Art Museum

Step into history with a guided tour of Boundless, a life-size bronze sculpture by artist Stephen Hayes. Located in PNC USCT Park on CAM’s grounds, this tour is free with museum entrance every Friday at 1 p.m.
 

Journeys Wilmington

Take a journey back in history and learn about African American heritage with Journeys Wilmington on a walking, riding or custom tour. Each tour focuses on a different region of Wilmingtons past, from architecture to monumental moments in time.
 

WilmingtoNColor

WilmingtoNColor Heritage Tours offer immersive history experiences in Wilmington, NC. Featured on PBS, Travel & Leisure, Travel Noire & The Washington Post, their Time Machine tours bring untold stories to life. 
 

Guide to Wilmington’s African American Heritage

Access this free downloadable guide to the 1898 Memorial, churches, cemeteries, Orange Street Landing at Cape Fear (a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site), historical markers and more.
 

ONGOING EXHIBITIONS 

Cameron Art Museum

Boundless: A public sculpture by NC Artist Stephen Hayes Commemorating the United States Colored Troops and Their Fight for Freedom. Casted from 11 African American men connected to the site and its story – USCT descendants, re-enactors, veterans, and community leaders. This permanent exhibit is located in the Nation's first dedicated park created to honor the U.S. Colored Troops at the site of their triumphant victory in the Civil War Battle of Forks Road.

Top