New Exhibit at Museum of the Cape Fear Explores Change, Freedom, Civic Responsibility

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 and expand democracy.

"Making Our Voices Heard: North Carolinians Fighting for Civil Rights" will open at the museum on Aug. 11. It tells the stories of seven everyday North Carolinians who made extraordinary contributions to the civil rights movement: Gertrude Weil, Henry Owl, Joe Lewis, Abraham Galloway, Ronald Mace, James Hunter, and Willa Player. The exhibit can be seen during regular museum operating hours, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 27.

"We're excited to bring 'Making Our Voices Heard' to the museum," Museum Collections Curator Sarah Campbell said. "Sometimes making change can feel overwhelming, especially at an individual level, but exhibits like this show us our power as citizens to petition, protest, and organize to shift American history."

The exhibit also highlights lesser-known individuals who have been pivotal in the fight for civil rights for all Americans, including Indigenous Peoples, women, and people with disabilities. The exhibit, developed for the state's America 250 NC "When Are We US?" initiative, 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," Campbell said.

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.