Historic Sites: The Bellamy Mansion

The Bellamy Mansion is one of North Carolina's most spectacular examples of antebellum architecture 

built on the eve of the Civil War by free and enslaved black artisans, for John Dillard Bellamy (1817-1896) physician, planter and business leader; and his wife, Eliza McIlhenny Harriss (1821-1907) and their nine children. After the fall of Fort Fisher in 1865, Federal troops commandeered the house as their headquarters during the occupation of Wilmington. Now the house is a museum that focuses on history and the design arts and offers tours, changing exhibitions and an informative look at historic preservation in action.

Visit Histortic Fort Anderson

Fort Anderson

After decades of calm, the site once again entered the forefront of history in a national storm, the Civil War. In 1861 the Confederate States of America decided to build a large fort at the site as part of the river defense of Wilmington. The Cape Fear was an essential route for supplies moving by rail from Wilmington to Petersburg and Richmond for General Lee's army.
The Confederate army used manual labor to construct the large sand fortification originally called Fort St. Philip's. There were two batteries, each with five cannons overlooking the shipping channel and providing protection to blockade runners.
In February 1865, following the fall of Fort Fisher at the mouth of the river, Union forces repositioned to attack Fort Anderson. Federals attacked from the land and river. After three days of fighting, the Confederates evacuated the fort at night. Union gunboats started firing at first light, unaware Federal soldiers were breaching the walls of the fort. The infantry frantically waved sheets and blankets to stop the deadly fire from their own forces. There was a one-day fight north of the site at Town Creek before the Federals occupied Wilmington on George Washington's birthday, February 22, 1865.

The Site Today

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, archaeologists uncovered foundations from Brunswick's earliest days. The most visible structure is the hulk of St. Philip's Anglican Church with its surviving walls dating back to 1754. Another interesting foundation is Russellborough, an old sea captain's house that was used by royal governors Tryon and Dobbs.
The visitor center houses several displays that cover the time periods of both the old town and the fort. In the lobby is a colorful mural created by Claude Howell and Catherine Hendricksen depicting a scene from a Spanish attack on the town in 1748. A cannon on display was recovered from the river in 1986 and is believed to be from the Spanish ship Fortuna, which blew up in the river as the townspeople regained control of the port.
The remains of homes, businesses, and other buildings bear witness to the story of Brunswick. Along with artifacts from the Civil War and the imposing mounds of Fort Anderson, this site offers a unique look at two fascinating periods of American history.

Arlie Gardens

Life today moves at a fast pace, sometimes too fast to enjoy the old fashioned pleasures of nature. At Airlie Gardens, those simple pleasures can again be yours. Take time to admire azaleas, camellias, stand in the shade of our 467 year old Airlie Oak, or simple sit quietly watching a butterfly float by. Celebrating more than a century of gardens by the sea, our history dates back to 1886. Join us then in a self-guided walking tour of these 67-acres of historical gardens of mighty live oaks, tall pines and lakes which are abundant with colorful wildlife. Airlie Gardens, where history, art and nature come together to create a destination spot for garden lovers throughout the world.

For anyone who knows American folk art, Airlie Gardens means something more; it was the inspiration for the vibrant, colorful, and intricate paintings of Minnie Evans.
Evans came to Wilmington with her mother in 1893, when she was a year old. Her mother remarried a man who was employed by Pembroke Jones, a wealthy industrialist, and by the age of 17 Minnie found work as a domestic in the Jones household. Jones’ wife, Sarah Green Jones, was the one who established Airlie Gardens. From 1948 to 1974 Minnie was the gatekeeper at Airlie, collecting admissions and selling her artwork. She painted her delicate and fantastical scenes as a result of a divine vision when in a dream god told she must paint or die. Her art works depict angel and ornately adorned figures but the art work clearly evokes the lushness and greenery of the garden setting that she saw every day. She once said, “God has some 600 shades of green, and He dressed the world with them.” To her the natural surroundings were a divine revelation, as one can readily see in her painting displayed in the Fenimore Art Museum collection dedicated to Minnie and or at special showings at the Cameron Museum of Art in Wilmington.
Minnie sold her artwork at Airlie, and had her first “exhibitions” there, spreading her paintings on the lawn at the gates entrance offering many for only fifty cents or a dollar. She died in 1987, but her work is so connected with the site that local artists created a memorial sculpture garden within Airlie in her honor. Bottle Chapel, sculptures and its garden were constructed in 2004 and has become a central feature to the gardens, popular with many visitors.

Fort Macons Summer Concert

ATLANTIC BEACH—The Friends of Ft. Macon’s free summer concert series continues its 2012 season. Cajun/Zydeco band Unknown Tongues performs on June 15. Bluegrass group Samantha Casey & The Bluegrass Jam will play on June 22.

Music is from 7 to 8 p.m. within the walls of historic Ft. Macon. Picnic baskets are welcome (no alcohol or pets), and donations are accepted. Fort Macon is located at the end of East Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. For information about the fort, call 252-726-3775. For information about the shows, call 252-354-5259.

Tidewater Art Gallery Swansboro

Tidewater Art Gallery in Swansboro will open a solo exhibition featuring nearly 30 small scale works in oil by Robin Cheers on June 15.

 “Vignettes” will feature figurative works representative of the artist’s expressive depictions of everyday life. The exhibit will have an opening reception on June 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The show will run through July 14. Tidewater Gallery is located at 107 N. Front St. in Swansboro.
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 p.m.

 For more information, call 910-325-0660, email tidewatergallery@eastnc.twcbc.com or visit tidewatergalleryswansboro.blogspot.com.

Camp Lejeune 4th of July Celebration

Location: Camp Lejeune, NC
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 910-451-2785

Celebrate America's birthday at the 4th of July Celebration on Mon, 4 Jul beginning at 4:30 p.m. on W.P.T. Hill Field.

This annual event is filled with pride and tradition and fun for the whole family! Event is FREE and open to the public.

Musical entertainment includes: 5 p.m. - Rising Star Bobbie Allen; 7 p.m. - Country Stars the JaneDear girls, presented by WRNS; 8 p.m. - 2d Marine Division Band.

There will also be a Naturalization Ceremony at 6:30 p.m., plus children’s activities and inflatables. Please, no pets, no alcohol, no sparklers, and no personal fireworks. Allow extra time to clear the security checkpoint.

Rain date: July 5 (fireworks only)

The 4th of July Celebration is sponsored by HP, AT&T, USAA, Sprint/Nextel, WRNS, and Le Bleu. No federal or USMC endorsement implied.

For more information about the 4th of July Celebration, please call (910) 451-2785 or visit

Jacksonville Out Doors Festival

JACKSONVILLE — Onslow County Parks and Recreation, The Bicycle Gallery, New River Foundation, Onslow County Sheriff’s Department, Jacksonville Police Department and Jacksonville Kiwanis is hosting an Outdoors Festival June 23 at the New River Waterfront Park from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The festival is a celebration of outdoor recreation. A Triathlon (Paddling, Bicycling 11 Miles, and Running 5K) will be held at 8 a.m., the fee is $10 includes T-shirt. This unique festival is designed to increase awareness, participation and appreciation for the many recreational opportunities available in Onslow County. This free Family Friendly event will feature live music, recreation booths, and a Bicycle Rodeo at 10:00 am (bring your bicycle) free bicycle helmets. Their will be great food all day long. So bring your family and friends, because life is better outdoors

Canoe and Clam Day

JACKSONVILLE — On June 16, New River Foundation will enjoy a "Canoe & Clam Day at Courthouse Bay Marina." 

Participants will gather at Court House Bay Marina (aboard Camp Lejeune) at 8 a.m. and start issuingcanoes, life vests, paddles, and equipment needed to canoe and clam. There will be a safety briefing and an accountability of personnel and gear. After our clam harvest, the group will return to the Marina around 10:30 a.m. and start to cook the seafood harvest around 11 a.m. Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. Bring old socks to wear in the water "toe clamming." Also, bring some gloves if you have work gloves you don’t mind getting wet. A limited number of spare gloves will be available

Morehead City Alive At Five

MOREHEAD CITY— The Alive at Five is a free, family friendly concert series that takes place in Katherine Davis Park on Arendell Street between 6th and 7th Streets from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Coolers are not allowed and beverages will be available. The full roster of bands booked for Alive at Five this year are: June 1- the Doerfels, July 6th-Band of Oz, Aug. 3- Liquid Pleasure, Aug. 31- Spare Change. For more information about Alive at Five or any other activities, call 252-808-0440 or visit downtownmoreheadcity.com.

Atlantic Beach and Music! 2012 Season

ATLANTIC BEACH—The Friends of Ft. Macon’s free summer concert series continues its 2012 season with a great bluegrass show on June 22. 

We are pleased to announce that Samantha Casey & The Bluegrass Jam will be entertaining in the Fort’s parade grounds. They are one of the most sought-after groups in North Carolina, and present a fun-filled show of traditional and original bluegrass, bluegrass gospel and fiddle tunes. All shows are free (donations welcome), music is from 7-8 p.m., and it all takes place within the walls of historic Ft. Macon. The “Sally Port” doors open early, and picnic baskets are welcome (no alcohol or pets). Fort Macon is located at the end of East Fort Macon Road in Atlantic Beach. For information about any activities at the fort, call 252-726-3775 or call 252-354-5259 about the shows.

ATLANTIC BEACH — The Friends of Ft. Macon will present Unknown Tongues at Ft. Macon on June 15. 

Unknown Tongues is a well-known and very popular Cajun/Zydeco band that livens up any venue with their special personality and infectious music. They turn the austere Fort’s parade ground into a Mardi Gras party for the evening. The show is free (donations welcome) and begins at 7 p.m. Ft. Macon’s historic doors open early for picnickers (no alcohol) and those who want to soak up the beautiful views. Ft. Macon State Park, with 424 acres of dunes, beaches, nature and history, is located at the end of East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. Call the Fort at 252-726-3775 for more information, or 354-5259 about the concerts.

Fire Works Dinner at SywanykS

Polka Fireworks Dinner and Dance at SywanykS, 222 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC Friday, July 20, 2012 from 6 till 9 PM.

Join in the fun...dinner and dance for only $12.00 a person. Includes all homemade Polish Food, Stuffed Cabbage, Kielbasa and Pierogi. Dinner is 6 PM followed by live Polka Music and Dancing from 7 till 9 PM. Call Eddie for more information (910) 382-3840.