In these tough economic times, the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex offers a day of free family fun. Consider the upcoming Festival of Yesteryear a cultural stimulus package! This activity-filled event on Sat., Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be an amazing historical experience for all ages. This year’s festival will highlight the state’s colonial history. See living-history demonstrations presented by re-enactors who will portray military soldiers and civilians, and watch 18th-century North Carolina history come to life.
Family and child-friendly activities will include an interactive toy and game section and a doll-making project. In Apprentice Alley, kids can make a tricorn hat, work rebus puzzles, and much more. Professional storytellers will regale both young and old with exciting tales of colonial North Carolina.
Watch military re-enactors interpret the life of 18th-century soldiers, such as Highland Scots, hessians, Patriot militia, and British dragoons. The re-enactors will also present several small-arms firing demonstrations throughout the day.
See civilian re-enactors demonstrate colonial trades that include blacksmithing, pewtersmithing and inkle-looming. An inkle loom is a type of handheld loom used for narrow work, such as trims, straps and belts.
Visitors can enjoy a tea-tasting or try fresh-pressed apple cider, and be sure to take a photo in the colonial-era stocks! For more information, call Jim Brisson at (910) 437-2603, or visit the museum’s Web site at http://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/.
The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues in Fayetteville. The historical complex is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (910) 486-1330. The historical complex is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. The department’s Web site is www.ncculture.com.