Community Calendar

Experience the rich harmonies and powerful legacy of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, the world-renowned ensemble preserving over 150 years of history through the soul-stirring tradition of Negro Spirituals.

Fisk University opened in Nashville in 1866 as the first American university to offer a liberal arts education to “young men and women irrespective of color.” Five years later the school was in dire financial straits. George L. White, Fisk treasurer and music professor then, created a nine-member choral ensemble of students and took it on tour to earn money for the University. The group left campus on October 6, 1871. Jubilee Day is celebrated annually on October 6 to commemorate this historic day.

The first concerts were in small towns. Surprise, curiosity, and some hostility were the early audience responses to these young black singers who did not perform in the traditional “minstrel fashion.” One early concert in Cincinnati brought in $50, which was promptly donated to victims of the notorious 1871 fire in Chicago. When they reached Columbus, the next city on tour, the students were physically and emotionally drained. Mr. White, in a gesture of hope and encouragement, named them “The Jubilee Singers,” a Biblical reference to the year of Jubilee in the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 25. Continued perseverance and beautiful voices began to change attitudes among the predominantly white audiences. Eventually skepticism was replaced by standing ovations and critical praise in reviews. Gradually they earned enough money to cover expenses and send back to Fisk.

In 1872 they sang at the World Peace Festival in Boston and at the end of the year President Ulysses S. Grant invited them to perform at the White House. In 1873 the group grew to eleven members and toured Europe for the first time. Funds raised that year were used to construct the school’s first permanent building, Jubilee Hall. Today Jubilee Hall, designated a National Historic Landmark by the US Department of Interior in 1975, is one of the oldest structures on campus. The beautiful Victorian Gothic building houses a floor-to-ceiling portrait of the original Jubilee Singers, commissioned by Queen Victoria during the 1873 tour as a gift from England to Fisk.

Join the knowledgeable guides from Cape Fear Bird Observatory and their partners for a family friendly fun nature walk! Meeting at the Greenfield Lake boathouse (near the tennis courts) for an informational session on the third Saturday of every month, usually beginning at 9:00 AM followed by a narrated 60 minute stroll around the lake looking at interesting birds, plants, mammals, reptiles, and other fascinating wild things. All are welcome! No registration required. Please bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water and comfortable walking shoes.

As the world comes together to celebrate its best athletes at the Winter Olympics in Italy, we'll take part in the fun with our own version of CMOW's Kids Olympics! Your kiddo will get the chance to become a Kid Olympian by taking on a gauntlet of fun, winter-themed events to collect stamps. Collect them all and take home the gold for your family!

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the Bellamy Mansion Museum is hosting an art exhibition by local artist James C. Horton, which includes over 40 original paintings and drawings that highlight historic scenes and places from around the region and country that help tell America's story. Visitors can view the exhibit free of charge any time the museum is open (M-Sun. 10 am-4 pm). Please stop by the Carriage ​House Visitor Center to gain admission. Art is available for purchase and an Artist's Reception will be held on February 27th (6-8pm). Visit bellamymansion.org/exhibits for more information or email info@bellamymansion.org if you have questions.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS RIVER CRUISE – Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11/28 through 12/30 at 5:30 and 7:00pm and again Mon. & Tues, 12/22, 23, 29 & 30 at 5:30 and 7:00 pm.

Cruise on the Cape Fear River with Wilmington Water Tours while enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the Holidays. We will be cruising Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings starting November 28 through December 30. From your comfortable ride on the river, enjoy the view of the Wilmington cityscape beautifully lit up while listening to our local musicians perform holiday tunes. Relax and enjoy a festive cocktail from our full bar and some tasty sweet treats. This is a perfect outing for visiting family and friends.

Our 49 passenger motor catamaran, The Wilmington, is enclosed and comfortable for your viewing enjoyment. This is an hour long cruise, adults $28/, kids/4-12 $15, wee ones 0-3 free. Boarding 15 minutes prior.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS RIVER CRUISE – Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11/28 through 12/30 at 5:30 and 7:00pm and again Mon. & Tues, 12/22, 23, 29 & 30 at 5:30 and 7:00 pm.

Cruise on the Cape Fear River with Wilmington Water Tours while enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the Holidays. We will be cruising Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings starting November 28 through December 30. From your comfortable ride on the river, enjoy the view of the Wilmington cityscape beautifully lit up while listening to our local musicians perform holiday tunes. Relax and enjoy a festive cocktail from our full bar and some tasty sweet treats. This is a perfect outing for visiting family and friends.

Our 49 passenger motor catamaran, The Wilmington, is enclosed and comfortable for your viewing enjoyment. This is an hour long cruise, adults $28/, kids/4-12 $15, wee ones 0-3 free. Boarding 15 minutes prior.

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the Bellamy Mansion Museum is hosting an art exhibition by local artist James C. Horton, which includes over 40 original paintings and drawings that highlight historic scenes and places from around the region and country that help tell America's story. Visitors can view the exhibit free of charge any time the museum is open (M-Sun. 10 am-4 pm). Please stop by the Carriage ​House Visitor Center to gain admission. Art is available for purchase and an Artist's Reception will be held on February 27th (6-8pm). Visit bellamymansion.org/exhibits for more information or email info@bellamymansion.org if you have questions.

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the Bellamy Mansion Museum is hosting an art exhibition by local artist James C. Horton, which includes over 40 original paintings and drawings that highlight historic scenes and places from around the region and country that help tell America's story. Visitors can view the exhibit free of charge any time the museum is open (M-Sun. 10 am-4 pm). Please stop by the Carriage ​House Visitor Center to gain admission. Art is available for purchase and an Artist's Reception will be held on February 27th (6-8pm). Visit bellamymansion.org/exhibits for more information or email info@bellamymansion.org if you have questions.

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the Bellamy Mansion Museum is hosting an art exhibition by local artist James C. Horton, which includes over 40 original paintings and drawings that highlight historic scenes and places from around the region and country that help tell America's story. Visitors can view the exhibit free of charge any time the museum is open (M-Sun. 10 am-4 pm). Please stop by the Carriage ​House Visitor Center to gain admission. Art is available for purchase and an Artist's Reception will be held on February 27th (6-8pm). Visit bellamymansion.org/exhibits for more information or email info@bellamymansion.org if you have questions.

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the Bellamy Mansion Museum is hosting an art exhibition by local artist James C. Horton, which includes over 40 original paintings and drawings that highlight historic scenes and places from around the region and country that help tell America's story. Visitors can view the exhibit free of charge any time the museum is open (M-Sun. 10 am-4 pm). Please stop by the Carriage ​House Visitor Center to gain admission. Art is available for purchase and an Artist's Reception will be held on February 27th (6-8pm). Visit bellamymansion.org/exhibits for more information or email info@bellamymansion.org if you have questions.