Pender County Library to host historian for talk on Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

BURGAW, NC (WWAY) — The Pender County Library and the Pender County Historical Society and Museum will host historian Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr. for a public talk on the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Main Library, located at 103 S. Cowan St. in Burgaw. The program is free and open to the public.

Dr. Fonvielle, a Wilmington native, is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He is known for his work on the Cape Fear region’s Revolutionary War and Civil War history and has authored numerous books on North Carolina and regional history.

His upcoming book, “We Gave Them a Very Proper Reception: The Battle of Moores Creek Bridge and the Coming of the American Revolution in North Carolina,” examines the significance of the battle and its broader historical context.

Organizers say Dr. Fonvielle will have a selection of his previous works available for purchase at the event.

Before the talk, the library will host a reception from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Dallas Herring Library Annex, located at 108 S. Cowan St. The reception will feature displays of library materials related to the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge and the Revolutionary era.