Entertainment

Threads of Memory: Massey Hill Mill House preserves community woven together by family, work

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Long before Fayetteville became synonymous with military service, another industry helped define the city and shape the lives of generations of local families.

Inside a modest home tucked along Camden Road, those stories still live.

The Fayetteville History Museum will open the doors to the historic Massey Hill Mill House on July 11 from 11 a.m. to noon, inviting visitors to step into a world where life revolved around spinning frames, neighborhood schools and front porches occupied by people who knew one another not simply as neighbors, but as family.

For Hattie M. Presnell of the Fayetteville History Museum, the significance of the house extends far beyond its walls.

“The Massey Hill Mill House provides our community with a glimpse of how our local textile mill communities lived,” she said. “The Massey Hill community has a strong community built around the textile industry.”

That spirit of togetherness helped define an era when textile mills served as the heartbeat of daily life. Families settled near the mills. Businesses emerged. Churches flourished. Baseball teams representing competing mills filled summer evenings with friendly rivalries.

Massey Hill High School, which recently celebrated its centennial, became another gathering place. The anniversary celebration drew alumni from across the country, a testament to the bonds forged decades ago.

“Individuals didn’t just work at the mill, or attend the same school or church, or go to the same stores,” Presnell said. “They were and are family. There is a reason why the 100th anniversary of Massey Hill High School was so well attended. It was a family reunion.”

Visitors attending the upcoming open house will encounter more than historical photographs and artifacts. The home itself has been carefully arranged to recreate everyday life as it would have appeared for a typical mill worker’s family.

Within the house, exhibits highlight several of the area’s textile operations, including Tolar, Hart and Holt Mills, Victory Mill and Lake View Cotton Mill. Rooms have been furnished to reflect the era, offering a tangible connection to a way of life that once touched thousands of residents.

“People will be able to see what these homes looked like and learn about the mills that shaped this community,” Presnell said.

The work of preserving those memories falls largely to the Fayetteville History Museum, whose mission reaches far beyond its downtown location.

“The purpose of the Fayetteville History Museum is to collect and share the stories about our entire community,” Presnell said. “It is an ongoing process that I’m grateful to be a part of.”

Sometimes that work leads to unexpected discoveries.

“Through our collection and research process, we are introduced to some amazing stories and ‘a-ha’ moments that help put the pieces together,” she said. “We hope to collect more of these stories in the near future.”

Those pieces matter because communities are built not only through industry, but through shared experiences and collective memory.

Today, many of the mills are gone, but their legacy remains etched into neighborhoods and family histories. Preserving places like the Massey Hill Mill House ensures that future generations understand the sacrifices, traditions and relationships that helped shape Fayetteville long before modern development transformed the city.

In many ways, the house serves as more than a museum.

It is a reminder that communities are woven together much like the textiles that once came from the mills themselves, thread by thread, story by story and family by family.

The Massey Hill Mill House open house is free and open to the public. For one hour on July 11, visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time and discover how a neighborhood built around industry became something far more enduring: a community bound together by memory. For more information, visit their website at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/Fayetteville-History-Museum

(Photo: The Massey Hill Mill House will be open by the Fayetteville History Museum on July 11 for the public to check out a piece of Fayetteville's history.  Photo courtesy of Fayetteville History Musem's Facebook page)

 

Local theaters make movie going affordable, family friendly

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Movies can be expensive experiences for families. Between the cost of the movie itself and concessions, it can end up being a pricey outing. 

But this summer, in the Fayetteville area, theaters are offering special pricing for kids and their families looking to enjoy the movie-going experience. The added benefit is an activity for the kids out of the extreme summer heat.

Omni Cinemas at 3729 Sycamore Dairy Rd. is no stranger to discounted films. This summer, they will be having child-friendly showings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Movies include Minecraft, Goat, How to Train Your Dragon, and others. Tickets are $4.50 a piece, and concessions are discounted as well. For more information, a full movie list and tickets, visit https://www.omnicinemas.com/kidshows/#pricing.

Millstone 14 Cinema at 3400 Footbridge Ln. in  Hope Mills will hold another season of Summer Kids Shows. These movies are $2 per person and are family-friendly. Soft drinks, waters and popcorn are also $2 each. 

All movies start at 10 a.m., and new shows open every Wednesday until Aug. 5. Check out their special showing of the sing-along version of K-Pop Demon Hunters. For more information and for tickets, visit https://www.stonetheatres.com/series/summer-kids-shows-2026

Marketair 15 at 1916 Skibo Rd., with AMC Theatres, is bringing back its Summer Camp. Shows are every Monday and Thursday, and the summer camp runs until Aug. 12. Paddington in Peru kicks off the fun, and the season ends with Muppet Treasure Island, a beloved family favorite. 

Tickets are $3 per person. A kidspack combo at the concession stand is $6.29, and includes popcorn, fruit snacks and a water bottle. Showtimes are generally at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.. For more information, tickets and to see the full list of movies being offered, visit https://www.amctheatres.com/events/summer-movie-camp

Movies are a great experience for the whole family, and these family-friendly times provide a chance for those with younger kids to head to the theater. Younger kids and inexperienced moviegoers can enjoy films with other families. 

Be sure to check the theater’s website for sensory-friendly times as well. Going to the movies can be for everyone, and these theaters in the Fayetteville area are working to be inclusive so all can have the popcorn and silver screen experience. 

 

Discovering America’s Story in Fayetteville

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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)

Cameo Theatre expands summer lineup in 2026

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Cameo Collective at the Cameo Art House Theatre continues to build on its reputation as a downtown cultural hub, offering an increasingly diverse calendar of live events, community programming and curated film experiences designed to bring Fayetteville together through the arts.  Long recognized for its independent film programming and historic character, the Cameo has evolved into a multi-purpose venue.

A cornerstone of the theater’s weekly programming is Open Mic Night with Neil Ray, held every Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the main auditorium. The event welcomes musicians, poets, comedians, storytellers and first-time performers to share their work in a supportive environment centered on creativity and community connection.

Guests can enjoy concessions while experiencing a rotating lineup of local talent. Admission is a $5 donation at the door for both performers and spectators.

“Open Mic Night is about creating space for people to show up and be heard,” Cameo Artistic Director Brian Adam Kline said. “It continues to be one of the strongest community-building events we offer.”

On the third Thursday of every month, the Book Black Women Concert Series brings live music and cultural programming to the Cameo stage, highlighting artistic excellence and celebrating community voices through performance.

Book Black Women also presents Reel Sips, held on the first Saturday of each month. The series blends Black cinema, curated food offerings, and specialty beverages into a social film experience designed to encourage conversation and connection around film. The most recent screening featured “House Party,” with future installments continuing to showcase Black cinema paired with themed food and drink experiences.

The Cameo’s expanded summer calendar includes a variety of live entertainment and themed nights:  On Friday, June 26 at 9:30 p.m., the theater will host its 4th Friday Fright Night Film, featuring “A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2.” The screening continues the Cameo’s tradition of showcasing cult classics.

Music and performance programming continues the following evening with Michael Daughtry and The Drift on Saturday, June 27, at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. The concert highlights the theater’s ongoing commitment to supporting regional musicians.

Comedy will be presented later in the summer with a stand-up showcase on Saturday, July 18 at 9:30 p.m., headlined by comedian Matthew Jackson and featuring other soon to be announced comedians. A second comedy night will follow in August at 9:30 p.m., with The Unnecessaries returning for another evening of improv comedy and featured guests.

On Friday, July 25, at 8 p.m., the Cameo will host a R&B Karaoke Night, inviting the community to take the stage and perform classic and contemporary R&B favorites in an interactive and high-energy atmosphere.

Later in the summer, audiences can look forward to the King of Pop Birthday Celebration on August 29, with impersonator Ronnie Jackson performing.

Across all programming, the Cameo Art House Theatre continues to operate under the mission of the Cameo Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating community through film, live performance, education and accessible cultural experiences.  The theater has steadily expanded beyond traditional screenings into a year-round destination for arts and engagement in downtown Fayetteville.

All events are held in the Cameo’s main-level auditorium, which is fully wheelchair accessible. Guests are reminded that outside food and beverages are not permitted, with the exception of coffee purchases made from neighboring downtown business partner Rude Awakening Coffee House.

As Fayetteville’s arts scene continues to grow, the Cameo remains committed to offering inclusive, accessible programming that reflects the creativity of its community… from open mic nights and concert series to Black cinema events, comedy showcases, karaoke nights and cult film screenings. To buy tickets to events and see the lineup, visit https://www.cameoarthouse.com/

 (Photo courtesy of  Cameo Art House Theatre's Facebook page)

Central Baptist in Dunn holds annual Patriotic Explosion

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For those wanting to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Dunn area, the Central Baptist Church, located at 6050 Plain View Highway in Dunn, is hosting its annual Dunn Patriotic Explosion on Sunday, June 28. 

The entire community is invited to an evening of patriotic music, food trucks and fireworks in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a patriotic concert inside the air-conditioned Tabernacle at Central Baptist Church. 

"The concert will honor God and America’s heritage and will feature the Central Baptist Church Choir, the Maples Family and Butler, Hughes & Hayes,” said Worship Pastor Darren Hughes.

Following the concert, food trucks will open outside at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to enjoy a variety of dinner options, desserts, coffees, and even specialty sodas and lemonades before the fireworks begin at dark. Food trucks at the event will include Daddy D’s BBQ, Brownie Lu’s, Sunset Slush and Garden Fox Creamery, to name a few. 

The Dunn Patriotic Explosion is a celebratory staple in the community. The concert in the church provides a cool sanctuary for those looking to escape the summer heat. The food trucks give attendees the opportunity to eat and be a part of their community. 

This year’s event will be extra special, as Dunn and the entire country celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Fireworks will cap off the celebration at dark.  The event is free and open to the public. Parking is limited. 

For more information, visit cbcdunn.com.

 

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