Pender

Poplar Grove Historic Plantation
Poplar Grove Plantation preserves the homestead of James Foy, patriarch of a successful antebellum farming family, and the outbuildings and crafts typical of a 19th century working community. Poplar Grove is preserved through the efforts of the non-profit Poplar Grove Foundation.

Moores Creek National Battlefield
Moores Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first southern battle and patriot victory in the American Revolution. The battle of Moores Creek Bridge reflected the internal conflict that marked the American Revolution, and the site serves to educate the public and the military community about 18th century politics and warfare. The 86-acre park encompasses the site of the original bridge, earthworks, battle ground and original roadways, and includes two walking trails interpreting the battle, a visitor center featuring an audiovisual presentation and exhibits, outdoor monuments commemorating specific individuals and events relevant to the site, and both indoor and outdoor picnic and classroom areas.

Penderlea Homestead Museum
The Penderlea Homestead Museum is a New Deal farm restored to its original Depression Era appearance complete with 1930's furnishings and artifacts. Through interpretive exhibits and tours, the Penderlea Homestead Museum seeks to educate the public about the unique history of Subsistence Homesteading in FDR's America and its specific impact in rural Pender County. The Penderlea Homestead Museum was recently relocated to the Sula Murphy House - one of the first ten homes built on Penderlea.

Pender County Historical Society
Pender County Museum
The Pender County Museum collects and makes available to the public items that reflect the history of the Pender County area and its people. Permanent exhibits include Native American artifacts, Victorian furniture, personal artifacts once belonging to Pender County citizens, agricultural implements, textiles, documents, deeds, maps, photos and works of art. The museum houses transcripts of interviews with forty-one Pender County World War II verterans as well as several pieces of reclaimed "river wood", logs sunk in North East Cape Fear River during the 1700's and 1800's while being "floated" to market in Wilmington Change. The museum also sponsors changing temporary exhibits, local art shows, and several festivals.

Historical Society of Topsail Island
Topsail Island Museum, Missiles and More
The Topsail Island Museum, Missiles and More, preserves and interprets artifacts, photos, and documents concerning the fascinating history of Topsail Island for the education and enjoyment of the public. Exhibits focus primarily on Operation Bumblebee, the secret US missiles testing project that operated on the island during the 1940's and on nearby Camp Davis where soldiers practiced antiaircraft firing. The museum is housed in the Assembly Building where many of the tested missiles were actually developed and built. Other exhibits interpret early Native American life on the island, the growth of the area as a vacation spot after government occupation, and the natural history of the island. The Museum also features new exhibits including a Pirate Exhibit and an Osprey Aircraft Exhibit.

Pender County Public Library
Local History Collection
The Pender County Public Library in Burgaw collects manuscripts, documents, photographs, scrapbooks, clippings, and published works concerning all aspects of Pender County's history. Their Local History Collection reflects the rich and diverse heritage of this unique part of coastal Carolina. Topics of particular interest include 20th century Eastern European emigration to the area, the natural history of the region, architecture in Burgaw, and early deeds and diaries of some local families.