Our mission stretches beyond the horizon of traditional learning, reaching into the rich soil of history to unearth stories that have shaped the landscape of our community and beyond.
Our adventure begins with the historic Pine Forest Cemetery, a place not just of eternal rest but of stories waiting to be told. Here, the legacies of notable individuals lie in repose, from valiant soldiers to pioneers whose endeavors shaped the very essence of our region. Each headstone, each inscription, holds a narrative waiting to be shared.
The mission of Pine Forest Education & Learning Center is to preserve and promote the rich cultural history of the Cape Fear Region. We are committed to educating the community about our shared past, fostering an appreciation that helps avoid past mistakes and enriches our future.
To create a future where the vibrant history of the Cape Fear Region is a cornerstone of community identity, inspiring generations to cherish cultural heritage, embrace diversity, and actively contribute to a society that values knowledge, understanding, and historical integrity.
Pine Forest Education & Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Our mission is educational: to preserve and share the cultural history of the Cape Fear Region, with Pine Forest Cemetery as the centerpiece of that work. We conduct research, develop programming, build community partnerships, and support historical documentation.
PFELC has established a formal internship with the UNCW History Department to support historical documentation of Pine Forest Cemetery.
That work focuses on the stories held in the cemetery, including its connections to the 1898 Wilmington Massacre and the legacies of the soldiers, pioneers, and community figures interred there.
PFELC has partnered with The Black On Black Project and its founder, Michael S. Williams, to produce educational content through artistic presentations about notable historical figures buried at Pine Forest Cemetery.
The Black On Black Project uses exhibitions, short films, and community programming to encourage dialogue around social justice and identity, bringing that work directly into the story of our community’s history.
These partnerships together form the foundation for public programming, educational content, and broader community awareness.
Pine Forest Education & Learning Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law (EIN 99-2874984), and every gift directly supports research, programming, partnerships, and the preservation of Pine Forest Cemetery.
