Upcoming Events
Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Wilmington Water Tour
Wilmington Then and Now
Join Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr., Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of History at UNC
Wilmington, for the seventh in a series of local history-themed tours for Wilmington Water Tours on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 10:00 to noon. Dr. Fonvielle will discuss the city’s important role as a center for shipbuilding and military training, and as a war zone during World War II. The postwar years saw the creation of the Azalea Festival; the Azalea Open Golf Tournament; and the establishment of Wilmington College (UNC Wilmington today); and the departure of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, the city’s largest employer. How would Wilmington businessmen fill the void? The end of the century witnessed the opening of Interstate 40 that spurred tremendous growth in Wilmington and surrounding counties that continues to this day. Dr. Fonvielle will wind up the tour with more of Wilmington’s history mysteries.
“A splendid time is guaranteed for all.”
For tickets and more information go to https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/
Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Wilmington Water Tour for the Federal Point History Center
The Federal Point Historic Preservation Society will host a Wilmington Haunted Water Cruise from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Author and local historian Chris Fonvielle will be the speaker. The cost is $45 per person and for more information or to register for this event call the History Center at 910-458-0502. Please leave a message if you are calling during off hours. The History Center Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4pm. The boat has a 44 seat capacity and has beverages and snacks available for purchase.