Southport, NC

Programs & Places

So much to see and do!

We’d love for you to take advantage of all of the resources, educational activities,
and fun events that we offer throughout the year.

Speaker presenting at an SHS event

SHS Tuesday Talks & Meetings

The SHS Tuesday Talks are a great way to learn about local history and meet others who share this passion. The meetings are open for everyone to enjoy – you needn’t be an SHS member to attend.

Talks are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month and are held at the Harper Library on Moore Street.

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Volunteers laying the commemorative brick walkway

Southport Commemorative Bricks

The Commemorative Brick Program is your chance to add your personalized support to play an important role in keeping Southport’s history alive.

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Christmas tree decorated for the Holiday Tour of Homes

Southport Holiday Tour of Homes

Part of the City of Southport’s Winterfest Festival, the Southport Historical Society’s Annual Southport Holiday Tour of Homes is held on the second Saturday in December — and for the first time this year, also on the second Friday.

This fundraiser is a wonderful opportunity to see the lovely homes of Southport all dressed up for the holidays!

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Old Jail Museum with anniversary banner

Old Brunswick County Jail Museum

The Old Brunswick County Jail was built in Southport in 1904.

It is now a fascinating museum, open to the public from April through October.
Step back in time for great family fun!

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Cannon on the lawn in front of the Garrison House

Southport Museum & Visitor’s Center

Fort Johnston was established as a British fort in 1745, as the first commissioned fort in North Carolina.

The Garrison House is now home to the Southport Visitor’s Center and Museum, which tells the story of the many facets of Southport’s history.

Don’t forget to look for treasures at the Visitor’s Store!

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Gravestones decorated with flowers in the burying ground

Smithville Burying Ground

Established in 1792, the Old Smithville Burying Ground is the oldest and largest cemetery in Brunswick County.

Click the link below for more details, including the first survey map of the burying ground with location coordinates for each gravesite.

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Walker-Pyke House historic plaque, Southport’s oldest home, circa 1800

Historic Plaques

There are many lovely historical buildings in the city of Southport. They are a visible reminder of our rich heritage and have a special place in our hearts.

The Historic Plaque program enables us to formally recognize and honor these structures.

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Susie Carson Research Room

Susie Carson Research Room

Susie Carson’s vast collection of files that capture Southport’s history “A to Z”, as well as her books, photos, and lesson plans represent a huge portion of the materials in the Susie Carson Research Room (SCRR) archives. SHS researchers have continued to add photos, reports and family histories to this collection.

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Susie Carson in a red dress

Susan Sellers Carson Scholarship

Each year the Southport Historical Society offers a $2,000 academic scholarship for a graduating senior from South Brunswick High School continuing their education at an accredited 2 or 4 year college or university. One thousand dollars ($1,000) will be paid in each of the first two years of enrollment

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Victorian house on the Southport historic walking tour

Southport Historic Tours

Come and stroll through Southport and enjoy our historical heritage on a self-guided walking tour of the city.

You can also experience new interactive tours via the free PocketSights app, right on your mobile device.
This is a great way to see the city and learn something along the way!

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