History Museum in New Hanover, North Carolina

10 found · ← All categories in New Hanover

Updated October 31, 2026

Bellamy Mansion Museum

History Museum

Wilmington, NC

Bellamy Mansion Museum offers self-guided audio tours and premium guided tours at its 503 Market Street Wilmington location.

  • visitors interested in Wilmington history and design arts
  • families using the children's scavenger hunt
  • school groups and field trips

Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens

History Museum

Wilmington, NC

Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens offers guided tours of Wilmington’s only colonial-era structure open to the public, built in 1770.

  • visitors studying pre-Revolutionary Wilmington
  • guests interested in Georgian architecture
  • visitors seeking colonial gardens and period antiques

Wilmington Railroad Museum

History Museum

Wilmington, NC

Wilmington Railroad Museum combines a 110-year-old steam locomotive, an outfitted caboose, and over 1,200 feet of interactive model railroad tracks.

  • Families seeking interactive railroad exhibits
  • Children's birthday parties in a real Atlantic Coast Line caboose
  • Visitors interested in Wilmington and Atlantic Coast Line railroad history

North Carolina Military History Museum

History Museum

Kure Beach, NC

North Carolina Military History Museum offers free exhibits on North Carolina military history from the Colonial period to the present in Kure Beach.

  • Free North Carolina military history exhibits
  • Visitors interested in uniforms, weapons, and equipment
  • Groups requesting a museum visit in Kure Beach

Burnett-Eaton Museum Foundation

History Museum

Wilmington, NC

Burnett-Eaton Museum Foundation offers appointment-based tours of African-American history at its 1919 Burnett House in Wilmington, North Carolina.

  • Visitors seeking African-American history in Wilmington
  • Research involving local, regional, African, or African Diaspora history
  • School and community educational programs

Battleship North Carolina

History Museum

Wilmington, NC

Battleship North Carolina lets visitors explore nine decks of the most decorated battleship of World War II, including gun turrets and the engine room.

  • World War II history experiences
  • Interactive museum visits involving ship compartments and gun turrets
  • K-12 school field trips

NC Military History Museum

History Museum

Kure Beach, NC

North Carolina Military History Museum offers free exhibits on North Carolina military history from the Colonial period to the present in Kure Beach.

  • Free North Carolina military history exhibits
  • Visitors interested in uniforms, weapons, and equipment
  • Groups requesting a museum visit in Kure Beach

Other categories in New Hanover

History Museum in nearby counties

FAQ

Which New Hanover County history museum is best for World War II history?

Battleship North Carolina offers access to nine decks of a World War II battleship, including gun turrets, the engine room, and crew living spaces.

Are any history museums in New Hanover County free?

North Carolina Military History Museum lists free admission and exhibits covering North Carolina military history from the Colonial period through the present. North Carolina schools and registered homeschools can also receive free Battleship North Carolina admission with reservations.

Do New Hanover County history museums require appointments?

Burnett-Eaton Museum Foundation offers tours by appointment Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bellamy Mansion Museum does not take reservations for its tours.

How long does a visit to the Wilmington Railroad Museum usually take?

The museum describes a typical visit as approximately one hour; its exhibits include interactive model trains, a caboose, a steam locomotive, and a children's hall.

Which local history museums are accessible for visitors who cannot climb stairs?

Battleship North Carolina requires climbing stairs across nine decks and is not a suitable choice for visitors unable to do so. The available information does not specify accessibility details for the other listed museums, so visitors should confirm directly before visiting.