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In 2026, the nation will celebrate its semiquincentennial. The city of Wilmington, New Hanover County, and the Southeastern North Carolina region will be participating in the celebration, known as America 250.
As part of the celebration, the World War II Home Front Coalition will promote the 2020 designation of Wilmington as America’s first World War II Heritage City. The Coalition is expanding its activities to include year-long activities throughout the area.
Exhibits will demonstrate the role of the Atlantic Coastline Railroad in supporting WWII efforts.
Static displays and flight demonstrations at Wilmington International Airport by WWII aircraft of the Commemorative Air Force
WWII Army re-enactors will perform with uniforms, weapons, and equipment at Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the HBHUSO/CAC
The HBHUSO/CAC will host lectures, exhibits, USO and Rosie the Riveter shows, and veterans tributes. UNC Wilmington will digitize WWII documents and images.
NC National Guard’s 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team will showcase military vehicles, weapons, and equipment
World War II Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition
Theme: Recognize and Promote Wilmington as America’s First WWII Heritage City
Updated: May 29, 2025
Key:
📅 = Firm date activity
🔁 = Ongoing activity
May 20, 2025 – Dedication of WWII Heritage Sign at Halyburton Park
📅 May 11–18, 2026 – SS John W. Brown WWII Liberty Ship Visit
From Baltimore
Docking site TBD
May 17 – Cape Fear River cruise
May 19 – Departure from Wilmington
📅 Commemorative Air Force Fly-in at ILM
WWII warbirds including B-17, single- and multi-engine aircraft
Hosted by Modern Aviation
Final scheduling follow-ups later this year
📅 NC National Guard (30th Armored Brigade Combat Team)
Honoring WWII 30th Infantry Division
Dates and activities TBD
📅 August 14, 2025 – 80th Anniversary of V-J Day
At Hannah Block Historic USO / Community Arts Center
WWII veterans and home front workers
UNCW Departments of Music and Dance
Exhibits of WWII memorabilia
📅 November 8, 2025 – U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band Concert
At Kenan Auditorium, UNCW
🔁 New Hanover County Schools & Cape Fear Academy – Participating in events and educational programs
🔁 Fort Fisher State Historic Site – WWII re-enactors, equipment, vehicles, and weapons
🔁 Hannah Block Historic USO / Community Arts Center
Lectures, commemorations, music, theater, and exhibits (e.g., Rosie the Riveter)
🔁 Battleship North Carolina
Memorial Day ceremony
Living History programming, ship tours, and special events
Collaboration with the Coalition
🔁 Wilmington Railroad Museum
WWII exhibits focusing on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad history
🔁 NC Maritime Museum at Southport
Programs on the Wilmington shipyard and American women in WWII
🔁 UNCW and CFCC Veteran Students
Events in coordination with Veterans Councils of New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties
Music department concerts
Film studies video project
🔁 New Hanover High School Alumni Association
Honoring WWII Medal of Honor graduates Charles Murray and Billy Halyburton
Memorial to NHHS students who served and died
🔁 WWII Authors, Historians, and Speakers
Compiled list of local experts
Book signings and presentations
🔁 Reprint and Distribute – Wilmington World War II Heritage Guide
🔁 Lectures and PowerPoint Presentations – On Wilmington’s WWII history
Recognition of Black participation in WWII (military and home front)
On-demand tours of Wilmington-area WWII sites
UNC Wilmington Library programs
Participation by U.S. Coast Guard Sector NC (possible vessel visit)
Additional WWII-era music concerts
Involvement of 3rd Infantry Division
(Charles Murray, Medal of Honor recipient, was part of 3rd ID)
WWII-themed programming in the Azalea Festival
📍 wwiiheritagecitycoalition.org
📘 facebook.com/wwiiheritagecitycoalition
Additional activities and details will be posted here as they become available.
Would you like to volunteer to work with us on any of these activities, please contact us.