MOG Through The Museum

A Journey Through Maritime

A warm, inviting blue green Atlantic Ocean, hugging North Carolina’s pure sands around Wrightsville Beach, is connected westward by Market Street, to the famous Cape Fear River port of Wilmington with its nationally acclaimed Riverwalk.

This video reveals Atlantic Ocean waves breaking on the beach,

while tranquilly flowing into the shallow estuary behind the strand.

The 40 foot totally solar electric Algemac II is perched gently on the shore.

Between these two major tourist destinations is a wealth of history, considerately displayed for the traveler, toddler, student, historian, in a unique museum, unfolding a masterfully presented exposition of the Cape Fear area and the science prompting its inevitable growth.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

Over 2 miles of Riverwalk lined with 4th of July celebrants.

The Wilmington Riverwalk, Cape Fear Museum of History & Science and

MOG Solar Electric boat located at the Cape Fear Marina at Bennett Brothers Yachts.

In June, the Cape Fear Museum of History & Science showed a new vision for recollecting greater New Hanover county, the Cape Fear region and the land and waters of the great state of North Carolina. With authenticity, dignity and charm, it has become more a TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space, machine) than any version of a museum. Even the architecture of the building housing the collection is indicative of such eloquent character. The museum and friendly staff welcome tourists and local visitors to see the ever changing and diverse exhibits.

The Cape Fear Museum of History & Science

 edifice at 814 Market street.

Rather than clever optics, laser lighting and audio/visual scintillations, the real items, things, gritty pictures, antiques, earthy tech wonders and the garments to bring it back to “there’s no place like home” are arrayed for all ages to ogle. Showcasing history with science is a definite winner. That youngsters have such an inroad into the application of the basic principals of physics is stellar.

The block pulley gave mechanical advantage to early 

sailors hauling up huge sheets of heavy canvas sails.

A great place to try a comparison of strength

 to the advantage of physics.

In Wilmington, 18 years of Michael Jordan's youth were spent studying

 and exercising his drive for excellence and good character.   

Having been to many top tier museums, this home town showcase knocks it out of the park. Walking through the displays from top to bottom, one is impressed not only by the new displays of museum artifacts but the hands-on demonstrations, especially a new physical display utilizing a 'participant friendly' ship, was enthralling. Every combination of age and intellect had been considered for what was actually fun, doing work (whilst learning practical physics).

Literally looking down the barrel of a cannon, one can

 utilize the physics involved, to aim a naval salute

 for 4th of July celebrations.

Several dioramas of the region were not only historically accurate but intense in their depiction, whether a battle or a day in the old downtown. Exceptional detail coupled with such a large format, makes being downtown in 1800’s Wilmington an immersive experience. One can easily spend an hour eyeing the street scenes, bygone activities, lost trades, antebellum dress, naval architecture, commerce and city layout. From a maritime standpoint, the blockade runners (in their time) are on a par with the best ocean powerboats by Fountain, Aronow, Schaldenbrand, Hunt and Gar Wood. To see such craft in actual 3D is absolutely amazing.

A most sleek craft appears as if designed today, for the

emerging technology of the time period. The viewer is

able to walk around the entire diorama in order to truly

 appreciate the depth of engineering and design displayed.

Naval architecture and shipbuilding was a major industry

 of Wilmington through many periods of the city's history.

During the continuing life of this seaport, many different

types of ship have slid down the ways into history.

Here are just a few items that should pique one's curiosity as to their application. The answers to these and many more questions are at the museum.

As unique as this item is, the builder is even more unique.

This item proves youngsters are found to be eager beavers.

Merely a vignette of an idea that changed naval history.

Turn a corner, you never know what you will see.

This was high tech to many young folks into the 19th centuery.

Everyone actually gets their turn here.

Young folks would not believe it if told, just have to see to believe.

Picture this.

Nope, it is not a spoon for giants.

The WW I  US Army was well 'trained' here.

Toddler's eye view of a ship of knowledge and enthrallment.

Some of us in the maritime arts have had occasion to use this item on display.

So, as the sign says, get to work on coming to

 the museum, learn and have fun at the same time.

The MOG crew heartily recommends that you savor not only the rich heritage of the currently thriving New Hanover area but also see the significant role science has facilitated throughout its history. The Cape Fear Museum of History & Science makes this possible for visitors to bring it all back home.

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