Wayne County Museum

Wayne County Museum The Wayne County Museum preserves and exhibits the history and people of Wayne County, North Carolina Attendance is free to the public.

The Wayne County Museum building was constructed in 1927 by the Goldsboro Woman’s Club. In 1915, local women began work to raise the capital to build a home for their club. After World War I, they undertook two ambitious projects to raise money for the building fund: the operation of a cafeteria next to Robinson’s Drug Store downtown and running a filling station. The building was completed for $4

6,000 with most of the funding coming directly from the efforts of club members. During World War II, the Goldsboro Woman’s Club offered the building to the United Service Organization (USO). For four and a half years thousands of servicemen spent time and attended dances in the building. It was often their last stop before being shipped overseas. Today, that same historic USO ballroom on the second floor is available for rent. By the 1980s, club membership had dwindled and the executive board voted to donate the building to the Wayne County Historical Association. On December 9, 1988, the Wayne County Museum officially opened. Since the Museum’s opening, an elevator has been added to the building to make the second-floor handicap accessible. Other additions include a wheelchair ramp in front of the building and new handicap-accessible restrooms. The Museum is a stop on the North Carolina Civil War Trails, offers a Geocaching trail, and inclusive exhibits and programs about Wayne County’s rich and diverse history that change regularly.

George Washington: The Essential American During this, the 250th anniversary of the birth of America, it is a good time ...
08/26/2026

George Washington: The Essential American

During this, the 250th anniversary of the birth of America, it is a good time to look at the life and impact of George Washington. Known as "the father of his country," Washington was actually much more than that. Without this one man, there would have been no country. In the American Revolution General Washington led a ragtag band of rebels (with an assist from the French) to defeat England, then the most powerful nation in the world. We will evaluate how he did that, with an emphasis on key moments and turning points. With independence achieved, it was Washington's influence and gravitas that created the U.S. Constitution. Under this never-before-seen Constitution, it is only Washington who could unite and lead our nation as the first President. Join us to discover how this amazing American was in fact one of the most extraordinary people of all time. Had George Washington not actually lived, it would be difficult to imagine a more fascinating life of consequence and distinction.

The museum will be putting together a 9/11 Memorial Exhibit, opening on September 11th, 2026.We’d love to hear from loca...
08/18/2026

The museum will be putting together a 9/11 Memorial Exhibit, opening on September 11th, 2026.

We’d love to hear from local community members and include your stories and items in the exhibit. Whether it’s something you’ve held onto for years or a story you’ve never shared, we want to hear from you.

Do you have an old newspaper, photo, personal story, letter, artifact, or anything else connected to 9/11 that you’d be willing to share?

If you have something you’d like to contribute, please send us a message or stop by the museum.

Have you ever seen a spinning wheel this BIG? This impressive piece in our museum is a wonderful reminder of the skills,...
08/13/2026

Have you ever seen a spinning wheel this BIG?

This impressive piece in our museum is a wonderful reminder of the skills, tools, and traditions that helped shape everyday life in the past. Stop by the museum and take a closer look at the craftsmanship—and imagine what it was like to use a piece of equipment like this by hand!

Join us this Saturday from 1:00–3:00 p.m. for our Back to School Bash! Enjoy an afternoon of arts and crafts, a scavenge...
07/30/2026

Join us this Saturday from 1:00–3:00 p.m. for our Back to School Bash! Enjoy an afternoon of arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, and more fun for the whole family.

While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to explore our Revolutionary War Experience Traveling Exhibit, on display for just a few more days. We look forward to seeing you at the museum!

The exhibit is up, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone tomorrow evening! Join us at the museum from 6:30–8:3...
07/26/2026

The exhibit is up, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone tomorrow evening! Join us at the museum from 6:30–8:30 p.m. We can’t wait to see you there.

The American Revolution Traveling Exhibit is only available at the Wayne County Museum next week from July 28th-August 1...
07/22/2026

The American Revolution Traveling Exhibit is only available at the Wayne County Museum next week from July 28th-August 1st. Make sure to stop by and view this amazing exhibit.

Did you know that moonshine has been part of North Carolina’s history for centuries? While the production of moonshine i...
07/15/2026

Did you know that moonshine has been part of North Carolina’s history for centuries? While the production of moonshine in the United States dates back to the colonial era, it became most infamous during Prohibition in the 1920s and 1930s. From hidden stills to daring bootleggers, moonshine has left a lasting mark on American history. Stop by the museum to explore our collection of moonshine artifacts and learn the stories behind this fascinating chapter of our past.

If you have a passion for railroads, please visit our museum gift shop, which offers a selection of books on the history...
07/09/2026

If you have a passion for railroads, please visit our museum gift shop, which offers a selection of books on the history of railroads. These books are ideal for anyone with a keen interest in railroads and history. We have a limited quantity available, so hurry before they are gone.

If you have no plans for July 3rd check out this event. You can stop by the museum first from 9am-2pm, then go downtown ...
07/02/2026

If you have no plans for July 3rd check out this event. You can stop by the museum first from 9am-2pm, then go downtown to step back in time to 1776.

Hey WAYNE COUNTY, the JULY digital edition of The BUZZ drops at midnight (paper copies available around town beginning at 9a), but get a look at one of the coolest and biggest America 250 celebrations presented by the Wayne Community College Foundation happening this weekend in downtown Goldsboro. Full story in The BUZZ! Happy 250th America!!! Make your plans now for this revolutionary journey and read The BUZZ starting at midnight. Thanks!

06/28/2026

Address

116 N. William Street
Goldsboro, NC
27530

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 2pm
Wednesday 9am - 2pm
Thursday 9am - 2pm
Friday 9am - 2pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(919) 734-5023

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