A Journey Through Time: Leadership Wilmington 2024 Explores Wilmington's Arts, History, and Culture

For our first session post-retreat, the members of Leadership Wilmington embarked on a
day-long adventure that would transport us through time and immerse us in the rich tapestry of
the city's arts, history, and culture. The experience, which unfolded at the Cameron Art Museum,
a mobile tour, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, Thalian Hall, and The Wilson
Center, left an indelible mark on each one of us.

Our journey began at the Chamber of Commerce, where our classmates got together for the
first time since the retreat at Fort Caswell. We welcomed two guest speakers at the Chamber
who delivered excellent presentations on the history of Wilmington, our growth as a community
since the early 19th century, and the importance/presence of the Arts in our beautiful coastal
city. These speakers proved to be the perfect precursor for the remainder of our experiences
throughout our education-packed day.

We quickly transitioned to the bus after our speakers concluded and headed to the Cameron Art
Museum, where we were welcomed by the vibrant colors and eclectic exhibits that showcased
various concepts, from the bittersweetness of love, to the preservation of the honorable men
that fought for freedom. As our time at CAM concluded, we were able to learn about the local
film industry and the current struggles facing both writers and actors, as well as how it interacts
with our local economy.

Following our time at CAM, we spent about an hour on the bus receiving a guided tour of
Wilmington through areas of town that many of us had not previously explored. We connected
the tour back to the history we learned about in the first hour of our day, and it was clear how
our history in the 19th and 20th centuries still plays a part in Wilmington’s current quality of life
for various communities. While segregation may have ended in the 1960’s, its impacts certainly
have not. We still have a long way to go to create a more equitable and inclusive Wilmington
community.

Next on our itinerary was a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, where we
were lucky enough to get a VIP tour of the archive exhibits not currently available to the public.
We also had a chance to participate in a self guided tour in which we could wander to whatever
exhibits piqued our individual interests. I’m more than certain that many of our classmates could
have spent half a day roaming the halls and soaking up knowledge, but before we knew it, we
were boarding the bus to continue our learning experience!

Our third stop took us to the historic Thalian Hall, a true gem of Wilmington's cultural heritage.
Stepping into this historic theater was like stepping back in time. The ornate architecture and the
echoes of past performances whispered tales of Wilmington's theatrical grandeur. We learned
about the journey of the original tapestry from the 1800s that graced the stage, how it was lost
and then found and brought back to its home at Thalian Hall. We became part of a slim group of
people who have had the privilege of listening to the rumblings of some very special old
fashioned sound effects: queue the thunder roll! Learning about the history of this iconic venue
left many of us in awe.

Our adventure wrapped up with a visit to The Wilson Center, a modern marvel of performing arts
and acoustics. The venue hosts a breadth of different types of performances, and has the
capability to adjust the acoustics in the space to best fit the performance needs. The backstage
tour and discussions with the dedicated Director highlighted the importance of the arts in
fostering a sense of community and creativity.

We concluded our day-long adventure with a newfound appreciation for Wilmington's arts,
history, and culture. We were reminded that a city's heritage is a living entity, shaped by the
efforts of its residents and the spirit of its leaders. Leadership Wilmington, with its commitment
to community engagement, had taken us on an unforgettable journey through time, and left us
with a sense of responsibility—to cherish, protect, celebrate, and learn from the heritage that
makes this city so special. As we departed, we carried with us memories of an incredible day
and a renewed dedication to ensuring that Wilmington shines brightly in its future!