4 August 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CITY OF SOUTHPORT
City of Southport Welcomes the “When Are We US?” Traveling Exhibit at Fort Johnston Museum
Contact:
Jessie Labell, Assistant Director, Department of Community Relations
910-457-7927 O | 910-269-7183 C
jlabell@cityofsouthport.com
Southport, NC – The City of Southport is honored to host the “When Are We US?” traveling exhibit on display at the Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center through mid-October 2025.
Developed as part of North Carolina’s America 250 NC initiative and funded by the National Historical Publications & Records Commission, the exhibit uses the stories of everyday North Carolinians to invite deeper engagement with the evolving ideals of freedom and inclusion over the past 250 years.
On Display
- Dates: August 1 – October 8, 2025
- Location: Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitor Center, 203 E. Bay Street, Southport, NC
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free and open to all community members and visitors
A narrative presentation tracing the evolution of democratic ideals in North Carolina, this exhibit is part of a rotating statewide tour that has included venues such as the Mountain Gateway Museum, the Gov. C. B. Aycock Birthplace, and the Moore County Historical Association, among others across the state.
Why It Matters to Southport
By bringing this exhibit to Southport, residents and visitors alike can reflect on North Carolina’s role in shaping national ideals. The themes explored in the exhibit, freedom, civic engagement, resilience resonate deeply with Southport’s own history, including its Revolutionary-era legacy at Fort Johnston.
About the Museum
The Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center is housed within the historic Garrison House, built in 1810 on the site of the original colonial fort. The museum offers rotating exhibits, Southport heritage displays, and serves as a hub for tourists exploring Southport’s history and coastal charm.
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