These last few weeks of winter are ideal for a visit to the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History. Located just off The Loop, at 303 West Salisbury Street, you can’t miss the charming 1910 beach house. Known as the “Myers Cottage,” it was moved from 124 South Lumina Avenue to its present location on Salisbury Street in October of 1995. Thankfully, this move saved the building from demolition. Due to the generous donations of artifacts, memorabilia, and the support of numerous sponsors and volunteers, the museum officially opened on Memorial Day, 1996.
Although it is small, the museum cottage is chock full of fascinating displays and interesting historical and trivial facts about Wrightsville Beach. In addition to scale models, hurricane history, and a vintage postcard collection, the museum is designed to reflect how life was lived in a typical home on the beach and throughout the community. There are also new exhibits each season, to see what’s on right now, check the website at www.wbmuseum.com.
Perhaps the centerpiece of the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History is its 12-foot scale model of Wrightsville Beach circa 1910. The miniature replica that depicts Lumina, the bathhouse, a working trolley car, Station One, Banks Channel, Little Chapel on the Boardwalk, and the museum cottage in its original location, is truly mesmerizing for all ages!
One of the most inviting features is the museum’s front porch. Be sure to take the time to sit in one of the rocking chairs, breathe in the salt air and transport yourself back to the more gentle days of 1910.
Another suggestion for your museum day is to pack a picnic to enjoy at the adjacent park or nearby beach.
Another nice thing about this little island treasure is that admission is free! Of course donations are welcome and when you see what a wonderful place it is, you’ll likely want to make a donation to ensure that it continues to grow and evolve.
The museum is closed on Mondays, open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am until 4 pm. The weekend is a great time to stop by and its open on Saturday from 12 to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. For any other information, please call 910.256.2569.
Think you know your WB history? Test your knowledge with these 5 questions (the answers can be found on the museum’s website):
- When was the town of Wrightsville Beach incorporated?
- In what year did Hurricane Hazel hit?
- What is the former name of Harbor Island?
- What famous news commentator shared his childhood memories of Wrightsville Beach?
- Which inlet is a constant threat to Shell Island?
Happy History Hunting!