Fayetteville Transportation Museum

About the Museum

Located in the beautifully restored 1890 Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad Depot, the museum offers two floors of engaging, artifact-filled exhibits. The rich history of our area is told from pre-history through the early 20th century. Favorite spots in the museum include the model train room, steamboat interactive, and the recreated Station Agent's Office.

Museum Annex

Conveniently located next door to the museum, the annex continues Fayetteville's story with automobiles and airplanes. Vintage cars, the recreated 1920s gas station, and Fayetteville's 1880s Silsby Steam Pump Engine are a delight. Exhibit topics also include local law enforcement and fire department history, farm life, and the early years of Fort Bragg and Pope Army Air Field.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum is a wonderful educational resource of the City of Fayetteville. In addition to a self-guided experience, staff offers guided tours for schools, home school groups, scouts, churches, civic groups, military units, and more. Tours are free and can be adapted to suit the needs of a wide range of ages and educational objectives.

Tours of the Museum and Annex: Let staff lead the way through our exhibits. Our tours emphasize transportation and local history using and "now and then" approach to make the past relevant.

Downtown Walking Tours: Discover the history of local landmarks and walk in the footsteps of historically significant personalities with a tour of Fayetteville's Downtown Historic District. Your customized tour may include a visit to the Market House, the Fayetteville Light Infantry Museum and Armory, one of a number of historic churches, Liberty Point, Cool Springs Tavern, and Cross Creek Cemetery.

Preschool Special Emphasis Tours: We offer themed experiences for visitor's ages 3 to 5. Each program includes a sing-along, story time and exploration of specific artifacts in the museum and annex.

Local Government Program: Step inside City Hall to learn more about our local government. Held inside City Council Chambers, this experience highlights the role of local government and how it operates. Students can role-play various positions in the Council Chambers and given a behind the scenes tour of the Emergency 911 Center.

Speakers Bureau: Need a speaker for your meeting or program? Museum staff can speak on a wide variety topics related to local Fayetteville/Cumberland County history and a wide range of military history topics related to the Fayetteville/Cumberland County region.

For more information or to schedule a tour or program call 433-1457, 433-1458 or 433-1944. We open early for groups and experiences can be shortened, lengthened, or tailored to meet your group's needs.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND EXHIBIT

There is always something special to see and do at the museum so stop by and see us often.

The Fayetteville Farmers Market and the City Market: The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum is host to two markets, the Fayetteville Farmers Market and the City Market. The Fayetteville Farmers Market meets every Wed. from 3-6 pm and Sat. from 9 am-1 pm. The City Market meets every Sat. from 9 am-1 pm and on 4th Fridays from 6-10 pm. Come out and support local farmers selling locally grown produce and farm products and local artisans selling their handmade crafts. The museum grounds are filled with eggs, honey, meats, as well as vibrant seasonal fruits and vegetables. Artisans add to the variety of items with soaps, pottery, original art, jewelry, and more. The atmosphere of both markets is enhanced by rocking chairs, music, and children's activities making this the perfect place for healthy, creative, family fun. Local residents and visitors can experience this festive market component to the historic downtown landscape.

4th Fridays at the Market House: The Market House, which is Cumberland County's only National Historic Landmark is open to the public on 4th Fridays from 6-10 pm. Learn about the Market House's history and view a different local history exhibit each month. Special exhibits for this season are:

• Sept. - Lafayette
• Oct. - Local Scottish History
• Nov. - Victorian Christmas
• Dec. - No 4th Friday
• Jan. - Fayetteville Historic District Architecture
• Feb. - History of Fayetteville State University

4th Fridays at the Museum: Experience a "night at the museum" every 4th Friday. In addition to the museum being open, the grounds will host various venues of interest. From musicians, vintage automobiles, artists, or historical demonstrations, there will be something special happening during the 4th Friday programs which run Jan. through Nov. from 6-10 pm, unless cancelled due to inclement weather.

War of 1812 Special Exhibit: In commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, "Fayetteville and Cumberland County in the War of 1812" is an exhibit highlighting the military, political, and social history of that era. National events such as the inspiration for our National Anthem, the burning of the White House, and Battle of New Orleans will set the stage for events affecting North Carolina. Learn about the state's defense measures and the British invasion along our coast. Explore the weapons and tactics of Napoleonic warfare and gain a greater understanding of the war's impact on the home front in Fayetteville and the surrounding area.

Veterans Day Vintage Car Show: The Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, Cape Fear Mopars, and the Hope Mills Cruizers will sponsor a vintage car show on Nov. 10. Visitors can explore the museum grounds packed with antique, vintage, and late-model customized cars from 10 am- 2 pm. Car registration begins at 9 am and judging begins at noon. The entry fee is free and awards will be presented in a number of categories.

Historic Hauntings and Cross Creek Cemetery Tour: The Dogwood Festival assisted by the Fayetteville's 250th Anniversary committee will offer tours which will focus on historic events in Fayetteville of a shocking and frightening nature on Oct. 18-20 and 25-27. Join us as we travel through the back streets of old downtown and discover some of Fayetteville's darkest moments. On Oct. 30, the Dogwood Festival assisted by the Fayetteville's 250th Anniversary committee will conduct cemetery tours at 7, 8, and 9 pm. Cross Creek Cemetery No. 1 is Fayetteville's oldest municipal cemetery, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historic facts, early legends, burial customs, and famous stone cutters, come together in this informative and entertaining candle light tour. For more information about times and fees of Historic Hauntings or the Cemetery Tours contact the Dogwood Festival,

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