The storehouse of history is the Pender County Museum. Located in the first brick home built in Burgaw in 1917, the Pender County Historical Society exhibits our history for all to enjoy.
“We’re a very friendly place to visit,” said Jeanette Jones, the president of the Pender County Historical Society.
Visitors to the museum include out-of-towners, families who have moved away and return to their roots, busloads of school children, said Jones.
The museum is open three days per week – Thursdays and Fridays, 1 – 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The home of Kate Buck Noel was donated by her daughters, Fannie Noel Bannerman and Margaret Noel Austin. The brick home features an inviting porch and balcony. Upstairs is a beautiful bedroom with turn of the century furniture and accessories.
Pender County Museum offers a wide variety of exhibits. The downstairs features a military memorabilia room with uniforms, medals, and documents. Upstairs in the hospital room is an exhibit of medical utensils. Also upstairs is a room dedicated to wedding gowns worn by Pender County brides through the decades.
Jones said an important part of the museum is the barn.
“Each Saturday we have a blacksmithing demonstration,” Jones said. Three volunteers are blacksmiths who create items similar to those used by our forefathers.
The shop features a large billow to stoke the flames. The billows are in working order.
The barn also features utensils used by families whose businesses were farming.
“We have such a rich history in Pender County,” said Jones.
The museum features information about the region’s turpentine industry, blueberry farming, tobacco crops, and more. There’s also a whiskey still – not working, of course.
The museum is a resource of family information for genealogists. The museum houses countless wills, obituaries, deeds, slave records, maps, and war bonds. Various Pender County family photos are scattered throughout the exhibits.
The Bannerman family album is under glass in the museum’s parlor. But the documented history at Pender County Museum begins with the Native Americans.
“We’re proud of the artifacts we have,” said Jones. “Pender County residents have donated worthwhile exhibit items.”
Pender County Museum is an all-volunteer organization. Donations and two major fundraisers keep the museum open. Each holiday season the volunteers at the historical society host the annual Burgaw Holiday Tour. During the NC Blueberry Festival, the society conducts the Antique and Appraiser Show.
“Those are our two biggest fundraisers of the year,” said Jones.
The historical society is a non-profit organization. Memberships are open to the public. The cost is $20 per person per year.
The museum is located at 200 West Bridgers St. All admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted.
For more information about the Pender County Historical Society or the Pender County Museum, call 910-259-8543.
