Transportation Museum
325 Franklin Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
910-433-1457; 910-433-1458; 910-433-1944
Tues.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm
Closed Sun. and Mon.
The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local 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. The Historic Properties division operates the museum, Museum Annex, the North Carolina Veterans Park, and city owned historic sites to include the Market House. The museum has oversight of the two National Register Districts and Local Landmarks.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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 model train room, steamboat interactive, and the recreated Station Agent’s Office.
Museum Annex
Conveniently located next door to the museum, the annex continues Fayetteville’s story with automobiles and airplanes. Vintage cars, the recreated 1920s gas station, and Fayetteville’s 1880s Silsby Steam Pump Engine are a delight. Exhibit topics also include local law enforcement and fire department history, farm life, and the early years of Fort Bragg and Pope Army Air Field.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum is a wonderful educational resource of the City of Fayetteville. In addition to a self-guided experience, we offer guided tours 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.
Tours of the Museum and Annex
Let staff lead the way through our exhibits. Our tours emphasize transportation and local history using and "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 signifi cant 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, one of a number of historic churches, Liberty Point, Cool Spring Tavern, and Cross Creek Cemetery.
Preschool Special Emphasis Tours
We offer themed experiences for visitor's ages 3 to 5. Each program includes a sing-along, story time and exploration of specifi c artifacts in the museum and annex. Local Government Program
Step inside City Hall to learn more about our local government. Held inside City Council Chambers, this
experience highlights the role of local government and how it operates. Students can role-play various positions in the Council Chambers and given a behind the scenes tour of the Emergency 911 Center.
Local History Talks 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.
For more information or to schedule a tour or program call 433-1457, 433-1458 or 433-1944. We open early for groups and experiences can be shortened, lengthened, or tailored to meet your group's needs.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EXHIBITS
There is always something special to see and do at the museum so stop by and see us often. Admission to programs and exhibits is free unless noted.
Farmers Market
A Farmers Market and City Market are hosted on the grounds of the museum every Wed. and Sat. Fresh,
locally grown vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, and other farm products are offered for sale. These seasonal offerings along with plants, fl owers, pottery, tea, soap, candles, jewelry, and more can be purchased on Wed. from 3-6 pm and on Sat. from 9 am-1 pm. April marks the kick-off for the 2013
market season though some vendors appear year-round.
Market House Museum Exhibit
A View from the Square: A History of Downtown Fayetteville opened as a fi nale of the 250th Anniversary
Celebration of Fayetteville in Nov. 2012. This permanent exhibit located in the historic Market House highlights the history of the State House, Market House and Market Square and connects the greater history of our community to the landmark location. Dozens of images and maps are combined with historical details to create a comprehensive presentation of the history of Downtown Fayetteville. Groups (12 or more) can schedule a tour of the exhibit or it is open to the general public in conjunction with 4th Friday activities from 6-10 pm on the 4th Friday of Jan. through Nov.
4th Fridays at the Market House Museum
The Market House, which is Cumberland County's only National Historic Landmark is open to the public on 4th Fridays from 6 to 10 pm. Explore the exhibit A View from the Square: A History of Downtown Fayetteville. In addition to the permanent exhibit, view a different local history exhibit each month. Special exhibits for this season are:
March: Cumberland County during the War Between the States
April: Historic Downtown Churches
May: Cumberland County During the Revolutionary War
June: Local Scottish History
July: Fayetteville's Early Fraternal History
Aug.: Lafayette in Fayetteville
4th Fridays at the Museum
Experience a "night at the museum" every 4th Friday. In addition to the museum being open, the grounds will host various venues of interest. From musicians, vintage automobiles, artists, or historical demonstrations, there will be something special happening during the 4th Friday programs which run Jan. through Nov. from 6-10 pm, unless cancelled due to weather.
History of Fayetteville's Jewish Community
From the early nineteenth century to the present, our Jewish citizens of Fayetteville have contributed greatly to the religious and cultural richness of the city. Their civic, economic, and political ties have strengthened this community. Explore this exhibit filled with artifacts and images emphasizing the early 19th century through the mid-20th century. This is part of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County's Anne Frank Exhibits and related programs. The exhibit opens March 15 and runs through early 2014.
Terry Sanford High School Centennial Exhibit
2013 marks 100 years since the first class of Fayetteville High School received their diplomas. The museum, in collaboration with the school's centennial, will host a commemorative exhibit with historic highlights and artifacts from April 30 through Nov. 2013. The exhibit will trace the history of what is now Terry Sanford High School and the various locations of the school and monumental experiences of students there.
War of 1812
In commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, visitors can experience Fayetteville and Cumberland County in the War of 1812. This exhibit highlights the military, political, and social history of the era. National events such as the inspiration for our National Anthem, the burning of the White House, and Battle of New Orleans will set the stage for events affecting North Carolina. Learn about the state's defense measures and the British invasion along our coast. Explore the weapons and tactics of Napoleonic warfare and gain a greater understanding of the war's impact on the home front in Fayetteville and the surrounding area.
Civil War Sesquicentennial
Cumberland County Goes to War is our exhibit commemorating the sesquicentennial anniversary of the
American Civil War. This exhibit features artifacts, pictures, documents, and educational panels which explore Cumberland County's war experience both on the battlefi eld as well as the sacrifi ces made on the home front.
Springtime Historic Bus Tours
Let us be your guide to some of the area's most historically signifi cant sites with one of our history-themed tours. Participants will travel via bus but tours may require moderate walking. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call the museum.
9 am-noon; $3/person
March 11: Civil War History Tour
April 29: Jewish Heritage Tour
May 13: Military Heritage Tour
Spring Break Scavenger Hunt
Let the learning continue over the spring break holiday with a visit to the museum. From April 2-6 you can search for special local history facts hidden throughout our exhibits. This activity is perfect for 2nd to 5th graders who are eager to learn more about Fayetteville and the surrounding area.
Fayetteville's Jewish Community Walking Tour
Join museum staff at the Pate Room of Headquarters Library on Maiden Lane on for this special emphasis walking tour. Visit sites and places that define the early Jewish presence and contributions to Fayetteville's businesses and civic organizations. The walking tour begins in the Headquarters Library Pate Room with a short overview of the history of the Jewish community in Fayetteville.
May 5; 2:30 pm
Fayetteville Vintage Photo and Postcard Day
Join us in the Museum Annex for a chance to show and swap vintage postcards and photos of the Fayetteville Area. Everyone can browse through a large selection of historic images, showcase rare postcards, and share old local photographs. Bring your treasured postcards or photos for all to see.
Sat., April 6; 10 am-2 pm
Captain Alexander McRae Monument Dedication
In partnership with the Major General Thomas H. Ruger Camp #1 of the Sons of Union Veterans, the museum will dedicate a historic marker to Captain Alexander McRae in Downtown Fayetteville. McRae was a native of Fayetteville who remained loyal to the union though his brothers fought with the Confederacy. He was killed at the Battle of Valverde in 1862.
War of 1812 Living History
Museum staff will commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 with an engaging living history program. Staff in period dress will describe social, political, and military aspects of the era. Look for the exciting details to be announced soon.
A Mid-Summer's Night River Tour
Take a leisurely two hour evening tour of the Cape Fear River. Learn about Fayetteville's early importance as a colonial port city and trade center. Explore many historic features along the river and enjoy the natural beauty of the river, flora, and animals. The tour meets at the parking lot at Campbellton Landing and departs at 7 pm. Space is very limited and pre-registration is required.
June 14; 7-9 pm; $20/person
Monday at the Market House Museum
As you stroll downtown for lunch, shopping, or a breath of fresh air, visit the upstairs of the Market House Museum on these dates and times for a summertime history experience. Glimpse into Fayetteville's past with A View from the Square: A History of Downtown Fayetteville and get a sneak peek at our rotating monthly, special-emphasis Market House exhibit.
11 am-2 pm; Free
June 24: Local Scottish History
July 22: Early Fraternal History
Aug. 19: Lafayette
