On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the North Carolina History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction held a ceremony attended by supporters, local residents, and state and community leaders to celebrate the installation of the last steel beam for the main facility, marking the completion of the structural framework. Mac Healy, board chair of the NCHC, addressed the audience, thanking everyone involved for their contributions and dedication to the project, bringing it one step closer to realization. Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Pamela Brewington Cashwell also delivered a speech expressing the importance of this project, not only in preserving history, but also the economic impact it will have in Fayetteville. Secretary Cashwell also stressed that while much work and fundraising still lie ahead, a major milestone has been reached on that day. The audience included Vice Chair of the Board Mary Lynn Bryan, several board members, officials from the DNCR, staff of the History Center: Cheri Todd Molter, Dorien Caldwell, Kim Terbush, C.C. Winslow, Kobe Brown, and Renee Gleaton. Museum of the Cape Fear staff, representatives from Eisterhold Associates: Jerry Eisterhold and Sue Malik, Balfour Beatty Construction, and local supporters were present as well. City and Cumberland County officials: Kirk DeViere, Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. Members of the Fayetteville City Council were also present including Dr. D.J. Haire representing District 4, Brenda McNair representing District 7, and Deno Hondros representing District 9. Board members, donors, officials, staff, and supporters had an opportunity to sign and take pictures with the steel beam before it was hoisted in place. CityView, Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, and Up & Coming Weekly have published coverage of the event on their respective platforms. The North Carolina History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction is expected to open in spring 2028.
