Battleship North Carolina Memorial to host talk on the hidden history of Eagles Island

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Battleship North Carolina Memorial will host a public evening program later this month exploring the history and significance of one of the Cape Fear region’s most storied landscapes.

Titled “The Hidden History of Eagles Island,” the talk is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the ship’s Wardroom. The program will be led by Executive Director Jay C. Martin and will focus on Eagles Island, the land surrounding the Battleship and a site rich in cultural and environmental history.

According to organizers, the presentation will examine the island’s evolution from its earliest known history through its role in shaping the Wilmington area. Attendees will be encouraged to look beyond the familiar backdrop of the Battleship and consider the deeper stories embedded in the surrounding marshes, river, and landscape.

“Eagles Island is a place with a remarkable and often overlooked history,” Martin said. “This program offers an opportunity to better understand the landscape that has shaped so much of this region and the story of the Battleship North Carolina Memorial.”

The event is part of the Battleship’s broader effort to connect visitors and the local community with the historical and cultural context of the site and its surroundings. Additional evening programs are expected to be announced in the future.

Advance registration is $5, while tickets at the door will be $8. Space is limited, and organizers encourage early registration.