Session 1 – Arts, Culture and History

Morning sessions – An excited and caffeine-fueled leadership group began the morning learning about Wilmington’s history including many interesting facts that have shaped who we are today as a community. Among the highlights were old photos and accounts of how the Wilmington business sector has changed over time, particularly post-WWII through present day. Next, we learned how the Arts Council of Wilmington and the Cameron Arts Museum (“CAM”) provide rich and meaningful arts across various settings from museums, community spaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. A unique part of the morning was the monument at CAM honoring United States Colored Troops who fought for the Union Army during the American Civil War, an installation which many in the group had never seen. This sculpture brought out a plethora of thoughts and emotions including pride, remembrance, honor, and bravery. The morning concluded with tours of Thalian Hall and the CFCC Wilson Center (the “Wilson Center”) which showcased world-class performance venues with Thalian Hall dating back to the mid-1850s and the Wilson Center being a modern venue hosting a wide range of performances.  
 
Afternoon sessions – After lunch, we embarked on a journey with Dr. Chris Fonvielle, emeritus professor of history at University of North Carolina at Wilmington, visiting downtown sites and listening to stories and tales from the 1700s and beyond. The graveyard stories were particularly enchanting, and we only wished it had been midnight to heighten our curiosity (and fears)! We wrapped up with an energetic and inspiring fundraising talk by Katie Tate at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare before all of our Work On Wilmington(“WOW”) Committees reported on their progress so far and goals looking ahead to WOW on April 18, 2026.
 
Capping off the day was an exciting after-hours event that included our alumni joining us in a wonderful send-off of for Linda Stinson, Leadership Wilmington star of the Class of 2005. Great fun was had over drinks, food, and a raffle all providing a rousing Week 1 for the Leadership Wilmington Class of 2026!