New Exhibit at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex explores change, freedom, civic responsibility, and overcoming challenges through the lens of America’s 250th anniversary.
FAYETTEVILLE, NC — The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, will soon unveil a temporary exhibit that tells the story of a few North Carolinians who have raised their voices to call out injustice to allow all Americans to fully participate in our democratic society.
“Making Our Voices Heard: North Carolinians Fighting for Civil Rights” will open at the museum on Tuesday, August 11. It tells the stories of seven everyday North Carolinians and extraordinary leaders: Gertrude Weil, Henry Owl, Joe Lewis, Abraham Galloway, Ronald Mace, James Hunter, and Willa Player, all of whom worked to expand democracy. The exhibit can be seen during regular museum operating hours, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Thursday, August 27.
“We’re excited to bring “Making Our Voices Heard” to the museum,” Sarah Campbell, Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex Collections Curator said. “Sometimes making change can feel overwhelming, especially at an individual level, but exhibits like this show us the power of our tools as citizens to petition, protest, and organize to shift American history.”
In addition to telling the stories of some better-known North Carolinians, the exhibit also highlights lesser-known individuals who have also been pivotal in the fight for civil rights for all Americans including Indigenous Peoples, women, and people with disabilities. The exhibit features large, full-color panels which share information and additional context as to how Americans have made and continue to make their voices heard. “I hope this exhibit can inspire our visitors to think about the impact they can have in their communities, in America’s 250th year and beyond,” Campbell said.
The museum is located at 801 Arsenal Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28305. Admission to the museum is free. For more information about the museum or the exhibit, visit MuseumOfTheCapeFear.ncdcr.gov or call 910-500-4240.
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About the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex
The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues in Fayetteville, NC. The Complex is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Sunday and Monday. The museum operates under the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, within the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. To learn more about the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, visit MuseumOfTheCapeFear.ncdcr.gov
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.DNCR.nc.gov/