On Saturday, May 16, Armed Forces Day, the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will pay tribute to our nation’s military with the special event Armed Forces Living History Day. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this free event will feature living history presentations, educational programs and entertainment. Re-enactors representing different time periods will bring to life the history of the United States military. Guest speakers will discuss battlefield archeology and the history of African Americans in our armed forces at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., respectively.
World War I activities will take place at the 1897 Poe House, part of the historical complex. Watch cooking demonstrations in the kitchen, and see artifacts displayed throughout the house.
Rob Morrison and Norm Boggs will play 19th-century minstrel music and Civil War tunes. Hear the Big Band sounds of World War II performed by the Second Time Around Band.
On the complex grounds, tour encampments representing the colonial period and early Federal period, the Mexican War and the Civil War. Artillery and small arms demonstrations will take place. Children can engage in a variety of activities as well.
Be sure to see A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans, a traveling exhibit created and curated by Martin Tucker. The exhibit is a compelling look at the Vietnam War through the eyes of North Carolina veterans.
Armed Forces Living History Day is one of the many 31 Days of Glory events taking place throughout May. 31 Days of Glory honors those who serve and have served in our armed forces. For more information about this event, go to www.31daysofglory.com.
Join us on May 16 for a day of history, remembrance and family fun as we salute the men, women and families of our armed forces!
For more information about the museum, call 910-486-1330 or access www.museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov. The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues in Fayetteville, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, www.ncculture.com.