Local historian proposes Camp New Providence artifact exhibit; board OKs short summer display and adopts 250th commemoration name

A local historian and collector, identified in the meeting as Mr. Houston, told the Weddington Parks and Events Advisory Board that he has Revolutionary War and Civil War artifacts and would like to present a weeklong "touch table" exhibit at town hall in late July or early August.

Mr. Houston described artifacts ranging from cannonballs and muskets to everyday household items and a full-size framed reproduction of the Declaration of Independence. He said the collection has been shown at the Museum of the Waxhaws and that a hands-on table can make history more tangible for children: "When you see cannonball, you see a spark in their eye that you don't see before," he said.

Board members discussed dates and formats for the exhibit and whether to host a single-day draw (ice cream and food trucks) or a multi-day table that includes a Saturday morning for families. The board asked for an easel to display the framed Declaration and agreed Gail Butler will be the point of contact to finalize dates and logistics. Mr. Houston said he and his team could be available in late July or early August and would work around staff availability.

Separately, after brainstorming event names, the board voted unanimously to adopt "Weddington's Revolutionary Legacy" as the town's name for the 250th commemoration of the Camp New Providence encampment. A motion to adopt the name was made and seconded, and the chair called the vote as all in favor.

Next steps: staff and the board will confirm exhibit dates, secure an easel and set staffing for the selected days, and present final plans at the July meeting.