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Tuesday, 23 June 2026
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
As we approach a milestone in America’s history, America's 250th anniversary offers a unique opportunity to connect with the foundational stories that shaped our nation. Right here in downtown Fayetteville, at 325 Franklin St, the Fayetteville History Museum is creating an immersive experience that brings these pivotal moments to life. The museum's special exhibition, "Anniversaries Abound!" combines America's semiquincentennial with the museum's own 20th anniversary, creating a deeply personal exploration of how our local community contributed to the birth of American independence.
Historic Properties Supervisor, Hattie Presnell, explains that the dual celebration was a natural fit.
"The Fayetteville History Museum has combined both America's 250th with the museum's 20th anniversary into one exhibit called 'Anniversaries Abound!'" she says. "It looks at Fayetteville's historic connections to the early stages of the American Revolutionary War and how, over time, the museum has helped to share this and other local history."
The result is an exhibit that honors both the nation's founding and two decades of preserving Fayetteville's stories.
The story begins with the towns of Cross Creek and Campbelton, the predecessors to modern Fayetteville, where passionate Patriots made their voices heard in support of independence.
“This has been an opportunity to bring our community's focus back on The Cumberland Association, also known as the Liberty Point Resolves. This document was signed on June 20, 1775, to support the independence of the colonies from Great Britain. As part of our 250th anniversary of the signing of this document last year, we were gifted excellent high-resolution copies of the originals held in the State Archives. These copies are proudly on display once again. Cumberland County had a very significant role in America's 250th,” Presnell said.
This document, now proudly displayed at the museum, represents one of the earliest organized statements of revolutionary intent in North Carolina.
What makes this exhibition particularly meaningful is its focus on tangible artifacts and personal accounts. Presnell and her team have collaborated with generous community members to assemble a collection of loaned items that tell authentic stories of the people who witnessed these transformative events. Presnell also says that this was one of the most challenging aspects of the exhibition.
“The most significant challenge we faced in creating the 250th portion of our exhibit was in collecting tangible artifacts. When creating exhibits, we can typically work around items we have in our own collections; however, for the 250th, it was a bit more difficult. We have some incredible community members who have graciously loaned items to the museum for this exhibit.”
This exhibition serves as an exceptional educational resource for learners at every stage of life. For students pursuing history, political science, or social studies, the museum provides primary source materials and carefully curated artifacts that bring textbook learning into vivid reality.
With so many different directions the museum could go with the exhibition, one might wonder how a museum decides what its exhibition will be about.
“For us in Fayetteville, it was simple! The Patriots of Cross Creek and Campbelton made their intentions known in 1775 and put action to words on February 27, 1776, at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge. Though we had both Patriots and Loyalists in Cumberland County, this particular battle was a turning point as it showed strength with the Patriots of North Carolina,” Presnell says.
The museum has made intentional efforts to include voices that have historically been overlooked, reflecting an ongoing commitment to comprehensive and inclusive storytelling.
“This has been an ongoing process that I've worked on since joining the museum. We've updated previous permanent exhibits to reflect the personal accounts of our full community. Recent exhibits (such as “The Art of Dying” and “Anniversaries Abound”) and future exhibits include the stories of all,” says Presnell.
By updating permanent exhibits to reflect personal accounts from the full spectrum of individuals who lived through these events, the museum creates learning opportunities that resonate with today's diverse community.
Presnell goes on to explain the starting point for her when putting together exhibitions.
“When researching topics for upcoming exhibits, the first subject I start with is our community. We are a local history museum. Whether the topic is sports, entertainment, or food, how has it impacted the facets of our community, and how has our community impacted the topic? The answers to these questions are what make history important and relevant. We have a few community stories we plan on sharing in the coming year that are truly remarkable. We want our community to feel connected to their history, and being seen in these stories is how it's done.”
The February 27, 1776, Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge represents a turning point that demonstrated the strength of North Carolina's Patriots, and the museum's presentation helps visitors understand why this local event mattered to the broader revolutionary cause. Whether you're a recent high school graduate exploring career paths in education or museum work, or a retiree seeking personal enrichment, this exhibition welcomes you with accessible, engaging content designed for all knowledge levels.
The Fayetteville History Museum has designed special programming that extends beyond the exhibition walls, creating multiple touchpoints for community engagement. In March, the museum offered a Historic Cross Creek Cemetery #1 tour, allowing participants to connect with the individuals of Cross Creek and Campbelton who directly participated in the American Revolution. These experiential programs transform abstract historical concepts into memorable, place-based learning experiences.
According to Presnell, these programs were intentionally designed to deepen the community's understanding of local involvement in the Revolution.
"Along with our anniversary room, we have had special programs that correlate with the individuals of Cross Creek and Campbelton who participated in the American Revolution," she explains. The cemetery tour served as a powerful reminder that the people who shaped history were not distant figures in textbooks, but neighbors whose stories remain rooted in Fayetteville's landscape.
Throughout the exhibition period, which started in early May through December, visitors can expect additional programming that correlates with the Patriots and Loyalists who shaped Cumberland County's revolutionary experience. These programs recognize that while the county produced strong Patriot voices, it also included Loyalist residents, presenting an opportunity to explore the complex nature of colonial society and the difficult decisions families faced during this period of upheaval.
The museum's approach to programming reflects the values of accessibility and community connection. With free admission and welcoming hours, the institution removes barriers that might prevent families, students, or individuals from participating in cultural enrichment. This commitment to inclusive access aligns with the broader mission of making education and cultural resources available to everyone in our community, regardless of economic circumstances.
(Photo: The Fayetteville History Museum is located in an old train depot. Photo courtesy of Hattie Presnell, Historic Properties Supervisor)
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Tuesday, 23 June 2026
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Written by Mahalia Cooks
The best pitmasters will go head to head in the Great Hope Mills BBQ Throwdown on Thursday, July 2, hosted by the Hope Mills Parks & Recreation Department. Get ready to chow down at your new favorite annual event. This brand-new competition is part of the Independence Day celebrations that will be happening through the latter part of June and into July, marking the milestone of America’s 250th anniversary.
The barbecue competition will be held indoors in the Town of Hope Mills Recreation Center gymnasium at 5766 Rockfish Road, allowing attendees to kick back and enjoy great food without braving the heat. The event starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m., giving residents plenty of time to taste-test the food and cast their votes for the ultimate Hope Mills Pitmaster Champion.
Brandon McLean, Programs Coordinator for Hope Mills Parks & Recreation, states that launching this competition came from the motivation to offer community members different ways to bond over a good meal.
“I like to try new and different things,” McLean said. “When I first came on, I wanted to revamp everything.”
Many sit-down luncheons have been held for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this year’s grilling competition adds something special to the Throwdown.
“I know a lot of people are great grillmasters and can cook, so we wanted to bring that talent here that’s in Hope Mills and promote that,” McLean said.
Only 100 tickets are available at $30 each; 70 have already been sold, so residents looking to attend should act fast to secure their spots. Adults 55 and older can secure half-price tickets at $15. Other discounts may be available upon request; residents are encouraged to reach out to McLean at 910-426-4061 or drop by the Recreation Center for more information.
Buying a ticket allows attendees to throw down on tasty barbecue chicken made by five elite pitmasters. During ticket registration, residents can also pick from their choice of side dishes, desserts and other meat options, such as hamburgers or hot dogs. Classic Southern favorites like banana pudding and macaroni and cheese bring together an unforgettable feast.
The winning competitor will enjoy souvenirs and bragging rights as having the best barbecue chicken in town, and they will receive recognition on the Hope Mills Parks & Recreation Department’s social media platforms. Potential rewards may increase at future Throwdowns.
“One of the things that I’m looking to do is promote them here in the Town of Hope Mills Recreation Center,” McLean said. “So, my goal is to have their picture up on the wall along with the different trophies we have with our sports.”
Don’t forget to bring your best dancing shoes along with an empty stomach. Spotlight Entertainment LLC, known and celebrated for their DJ services and Mirror Photo Booth experiences, will be spinning tracks to get everyone moving on the dance floor. According to McLean, the business has become a staple vendor for the Recreation Center due to their phenomenal party services.
As the first of its kind, this Throwdown offers community fellowship and patriotic fun by connecting Hope Mills residents and visitors through two of the most enjoyable things in life — music and food. Plus, friendly competition keeps the interest going and the energy high.
“This added element of the specific competition is something that I’m looking forward to, as well as the members of the public,” McLean said.
To register for a ticket, visit the Hope Mills Parks & Recreation Special Events page: https://secure.rec1.com/NC/hope-mills-nc/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQxNTIwNzA=
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