Burgwin-Wright House exhibition spotlights stories of local veterans

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Burgwin-Wright House will open a new photography exhibition Friday featuring portraits and personal stories of veterans from southeastern North Carolina.

“It’s Not Black and White: A Visual Tribute to the Complexity of American Military Service” by local photographer Charlie Baggett opens Friday during Fourth Friday Gallery Nights. An opening reception is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., and admission is free.

According to the museum, the exhibition includes black-and-white portraits of 20 veterans from Brunswick, Duplin, Carteret and New Hanover counties. The featured veterans served during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and Cold War-era covert operations.

Each portrait is accompanied by a personal narrative intended to provide additional context about the veteran’s military service and life experiences.

Assistant Museum Director Hunter Ingram said several of the veterans featured in the exhibition, including two World War II veterans, are expected to attend Friday’s opening reception.

The exhibition commemorates the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary and will remain on display through Aug. 22.

The Burgwin-Wright House gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.