The exhibit, titled "When Are We US? Becoming American," opens Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex.
The temporary display is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources' America 250 NC initiative, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Museum leaders say the exhibit examines key themes in North Carolina history, including immigration, integration, emancipation, voting rights, and the ongoing discussion surrounding what it means to be American.
"We're excited to bring 'When Are We US?' to the museum," Felton Foushee, the site manager, said in a news release. "We've been looking at ways to bring some of the America 250 celebrations to our corner of the state, and this exhibit sparks conversations about topics that are just as relevant today as they were in 1776."
According to organizers, the exhibit features documents, photographs, and recordings highlighting individuals and moments that helped shape the state's shared identity throughout history.
The exhibit will be open during regular museum hours from Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through June 12, 2026. Admission is free.
The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is located at 801 Arsenal Ave. in Fayetteville.
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