Wrightsville Beach Museum Of History

Discover beach living through the eyes of residents who called Wrightsville Beach home over a 100 years ago. The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History has preserved the history of the community for future generations. An intricate scale model shares a 3D snapshot of what the area looked like in 1910. Looking for something both enjoyable and educational to do with the family on a rainy day? Give this coastal attraction a try. No need to worry about working another expense into your budget, admission to the Wrightsville Beach Museum is free. Donations are accepted.

Long before Wrightsville Beach was officially a town, the area was frequented by fisherman and visitors seeking a sandy respite from the world. Formerly known as Ocean View Beach before becoming incorporated in 1899, cottages dotted the beach offering oceanfront views for vacationers.

Wrightsville Beach History

The town was named in honor of the Wright family of Wilmington. While touring the museum view images of Shell Road, once the main thoroughfare to the waterfront area. Due to the increase in visitors, the road was improved and renamed Wrightsville Avenue in 1887. Museum exhibits also reflect the impact the Wilmington Seacoast Railroad Company had on the growing beach community. Railroad cars known as "Beach Cars" ran from the center of nearby Wilmington delivering both visitors and goods to Wrightsville Beach. The expanded railroad route stretched to Harbor Island, and included a footbridge to Wrightsville Beach. Prior to the widespread use of cars, the railroad played an integral role in introducing the community and its beaches to the outside world.

Browse through hundreds of photos of the early years of the community, prior to a devastating fire in 1934 which destroyed over 100 buildings. A display focusing on the Lumina Pavilion, constructed in 1905 shares photos and paintings of a carefree time along the North Carolina coast. The multi-story structure contained a dance hall and games to entertain beach-goers at the turn of the century.

Twenty years after a blazing fire swept through the town, Hurricane Hazel came ashore leaving a streak of destruction in her wake. Approximately 700 homes were destroyed or damaged during the storm. A rebuilding boom during the early 1960's added to the ranks of both year-round and summer residents. A scant population of less than 3,000 grew to almost 50,000. Marvel at the progression of a small beach resort into a larger, yet still close-knit community while visiting the museum.

Museum Exhibits

Visiting the museum is never the same experience twice. Exploring the seasonal and new displays areas of the facility allows you to get a deeper appreciation and understanding about the history of the area. The museum is an interactive experience, complete with audio and video presentations. Grab a seat and listen to "longtime residents" share their stories about Wrightsville Beach, and feel like you are reminiscing with an old friend.

"We have information to share with visitors when they come through," museum staffer, Madeline Flagler told the Coastal Guide. "But, they really have to much more to share with us. People come through the museum and tell us that their grandmother is in a picture in one of our displays, or that they themselves are in a photo. One woman told me she was one of the little girls sitting in the beach in an old photo, and then shared so many stories about what the area used to be like."

Imagine the shock on your teenagers' faces when touring the "Bathing Beauties" exhibit. View the transition of socially acceptable bathing suits. Bathing apparel from the early 1900's through the middle of the century often confound those used to seeing bikinis and thongs along the nation's beaches.

"The bathing suit exhibit has a wide variety of styles and colors on display. Local residents Claude Howell gave us his yellow and black swimsuit from the 1950's for the display. Resident Lorraine Henson also shared some swimsuits, and we developed a DVD comprised of the scores of bathing beach beauties post cards from the beach she shared with us," Flagler stated.

An eye-catching twelve foot long scale model entrances visitors. From the working trolley car to a replica of the "Little Chapel on the Boardwalk" the tiny world brings to life the past of Wrightsville Beach. Created by local residents Bill Creasy and Maricam Kaleel, the pair's attention to detail and historical accuracy is evident in every little figure and building in the display. Imagine the joy of visitors to the Lumina dance hall as a score of Benny Goodman music pipes through the display. Creasley is credited by museum staff as frequent contributor of both historical items and insightful information on the town.

Ever wonder what life was like before microwave ovens and take-out you can order from a website? Discover the hard work which went into every meal when making a stop at "The Kitchen" exhibit. A true-to-the-period kitchen replica features items once used inside the Oceanic Hotel. While many would-be artifacts from the once prominent hotel were lost in the 1934 fire, the ones which remain still have a story to tell.

"The Porch" display features an old-fashioned icebox from the 1860's and period furniture. As you continue on through the exhibits, explore "The Bedroom" exhibit featuring a beach cottage theme with a salvaged bed once used in the servant's quarters of a local home. "The Bathroom" features standard fare from the 1890's and includes a traditional claw-footed bathtub.