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Museum Opens In-House Curated FIRE! Exhibition

Posted May 23, 2022 at 2:26 pm     Category: News • Museum

 

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. — Cape Fear Museum of History and Science announces the opening of Fire!, our newest in-house exhibition. Museum staff researched, curated, designed and fabricated this dynamic, dramatic exhibition. It uses images and artifacts from the Museum’s collection – as well as videos and interactive experiences – to explore the history and science of fire. It is on view now through November 26, 2023.

The exhibition examines the role of technological change in the history of firefighting, highlights several historic fires, teaches fire safety and showcases the changing history of firefighting in the Cape Fear.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors will:

  • Learn about the science of fire – how fire spreads and the stages of how a fire starts, grows and decays.
  • Explore firefighting through history – who fought fires and how firefighting has changed as a profession. Discover how technological advancements in turnout gear and equipment has changed how fires are fought and prevented in homes, buildings and communities.
  • Learn about fire safety – how to plan for fires, how to call for help and how to respond in a fire emergency. Younger visitors will have the opportunity to “get low and go” in an interactive maze, make a fire escape plan for a dollhouse and learn how to make an emergency call to 911.
  • Step into the shoes of a firefighter by using a thermal imaging camera to “see” smoke through a wall, compare water delivery using a bucket versus a firehose and attempt some of the physical and mental challenges necessary to fight fires.

“We are excited to open this exhibition to the public,” stated museum director Wayne LaBar. “The Cape Fear Museum team has spent two plus years researching and curating content, designing interactive components and constructing the exhibition. The final experience showcases the multi-faceted talents of our entire team, and we are proud to share it with the community.”

The public is also invited to celebrate the opening of FIRE! at a reception on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m. Meet and greet with Museum staff to ask questions and learn more about the exhibition while enjoying celebratory appetizers and refreshments. Special thanks to the Museum’s generous event sponsors, the North Carolina Association of Fire Chiefs and the Eastern North Carolina Firefighters Association.

Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is located at 814 Market Street and is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Standard admission prices are $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, students and military with valid ID; $5 for children 6-17; and free for children 5 and under and for museum members. New Hanover County residents’ free day is the first Sunday of each month. Cape Fear Museum is also a proud partner of Museums for All and offers free admission to SNAP benefit recipients when they present an EBT card. More information: www.capefearmuseum.com.

News Release Contact: Barbi Baker, bbaker@nhcgov.com, 910-798-4367

814 Market Street • Wilmington, NC 28401 • Phone 910-798-4370 • Fax 910-798-4382
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