Airport Name Change (1997)
In 1997, the New Hanover County Airport Authority voted to change the name of the local airport from New Hanover International Airport to Wilmington International Airport. Parks Griffin, the vice chairman...
Dukakis Campaigns in Wilmington (1987)
In 1987, Governor Micheal Dukakis spoke to about 350 students and Democratic activists at UNCW as he tried to lock up the Democratic nomination for President. He portrayed defense cuts, economic development,...
Topless Lawsuit (1975)
In 1975, David Harlowe, a Fayetteville Attorney, filed a federal lawsuit against the District Attorney, the Wilmington Mayor, and the Wilmington Police Chief on behalf of William King and Rosie Lee Cowart....
Ten Commandments Controversy (2002)
In 2002, the New Hanover County Board of Education voted down a proposal to display nine historical documents – The Declaration of Independence, the Mecklenburg Declaration, the Preamble to the North...
TMNT: Secret of the Ooze Set Accident (1990)
In 1990, three stuntmen were injured on the set of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret of the Ooze. Turtle characters Donatello, Michelangelo, and Leonardo were suspended over a junkyard in...
Blue Law Voted Down (1984)
In 1984, The Wilmington City Council voted 6-1 to strike down the blue law that prevented stores from being open on Sunday. The vote was in response to a petition drive led...
John Glenn Campaigns in Wilmington (1983)
In 1983, US Senator John Glenn visited Wilmington with an event at New Hanover County Airport as he campaigned for the Democratic Party presidential nomination. Glenn not only attacked the Reagan...
New Hanover County Fire Department (1996)
In 1996, New Hanover County Commissioners voted 4-1 in support of the first paid Fire Department. The Department will be on US 421 in an industrial area. It cost just over...
USS-North Carolina is Welcomed to Wilmington
In 1961, the World War II-era USS North Carolina was put into its final position at high tide here in Wilmington. The journey began in September as the battleship left dry dock...
