The Bellamy Mansion Museum

09/01/2026

Whether you want to explore downtown, enjoy smooth jazz on the lawn, take the kids out for SO much fun, or take in some beautiful art, September at the museum is calling!

We’re offering another walking tour, Jazz at the Mansion continues, Family Fun Day is happening at the end of the month, and you can see our current art exhibit by Ricardo Perez any day of the week. Visit bellamymansion.org for more details.

08/28/2026

Meet the Artist of our current exhibit to learn the stories behind his compelling and realistic paintings of food and people - TONIGHT, Friday Aug. 28th. Stop by anytime between 6-8pm. This event is free with light refreshments, and parking is available in our lot off Market Street.

08/27/2026

Bellamy Mansion Museum stands with Historic Wilmington Foundation and Residents of Old Wilmington in their support of Alternative A (65’ Lift Bridge) for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement. This is the only option on the table that will help preserve Wilmington’s historic district

If you share our perspective and want to protect historic district from the irreparable damage of a 135’ fixed bridge, NOW is this time to make your voice heard! NCDOT has officially opened a public input survey at public input.com/capefearmemorialbridge. The deadline for comments is Oct 15. There will also be two public hearings in September:

Wilmington Hearing: Sept. 14 (4:30-7:30) at CFCC, Daniels Hall.

Leland Hearing: Sept. 15 (4:30-7:30) at Leland Cultural Arts Center.

Want to learn more? Visit historicwilmington.org/bridge-replacement.

08/26/2026

Meet the artist of our current exhibit this Friday, Aug. 28th from 6-8pm to hear the stories and purpose of the unique and compelling paintings. In addition to stunning portraits of Americans who represent our nation’s story, Ricardo Perez’s still life paintings will make you want to get your grandma’s biscuit recipe ASAP

The artist reception is free to the public and a perfect way to start your Fourth Friday Gallery Night. There will be light refreshments. Park in our lot and go out to walk the circuit of art shows. Please note that our gallery space is on the second floor of the main house and only accessible via stairs.

08/25/2026

Family Fun Day is still happening this year! Join us on Sunday, Sept 27th from 1-4 pm for a FREE fun-filled day of pony rides, a petting zoo, arts & crafts, games, live music, storytelling and much more!

Thanks to our new sponsor Behavioral Consulting for Autism PLLC, we’ll also have some sensory fun. Their services help ensure every child’s needs are met and we’re thrilled to have them joining us. We’re also excited to have Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry back again as a sponsor. They always bring some fun swag!!

Questions? Visit bellamymansion.org for more details.

08/19/2026

We can’t wait to join The Children's Museum of Wilmington this Friday! Bring your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews to play some 19th century games before school starts next week.

We are bursting with excitement to welcome our final Feature Friday guests this week!

From 9:30am to 11:30am, The Bellamy Mansion Museum will be bringing in 19th century children's games to play, and from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, the Coastal Carolina Rabbit Rescue will bring in some furry rabbits to interact with! We hope you can join!

08/19/2026

The very first photograph of the Bellamy site was taken in 1873 by Rufus Morgan. Since then, it has been photographed, drawn, and painted countless times.

Every image is a window into the history of this Wilmington landmark and its significance. That’s why we’re asking the public for any historic photos (pre-90s) they may have of the buildings or grounds. If you have any you’re willing to share with us (in any form), you can send us a message at [email protected].

08/18/2026

Pocket windows — keeping things cool, 19th-century style 🪟

The Bellamy family’s wealth afforded them many modern conveniences in their 1861 home, but not an air conditioner. On hot summer days like today, these floor-to-ceiling windows were key to cooling their home. They are designed with a weight-and-pulley system that allows them to smoothly disappear up into a gap in the timber framing. When they’re all open, it allows an effective cross-breeze that supports the house’s ingenious passive ventilation system.

Over time, wear and tear has caused the sash cord ropes on some of the windows to snap. Thanks to volunteers Steve and Angelo, six of these pocket windows were restored last year to improve functionality and extend the life of the craftsmanship that has built and preserved this architectural wonder for 165 years. Learn more about the windows’ design and restoration on our blog at bellamymansion.org/museum-blog/archives/02-2026!