Rites Of Passage

Onslow County is one of the fastest growing parts of this great state of North Carolina. Home to Camp Lejeune for the U.S. Marines, it is heavily influenced by military culture. People there just seem to be more in tune with the important things in life. It is interesting that the motto on the Family Crest of the man Onslow County was named for is "Semper Fidelis", the same as the Marine Corps motto. Dedication to country and family is normal. When you are risking your life for such intangible concepts as patriotism, it tends to focus you on the important and make you think about what they mean. Focus on the important seems natural there.

Entry To Onslow County Museum

Maybe that is why Onslow County has a great museum that focuses on the history of their area and the history of man. I heard about a really impressive exhibit they had down there on the passages of life. Though a little out of our normal coverage area, I wanted to see what it said. I am glad that I did. Lisa Whitman-Grice, Museum Director, and Patricia Hughey, Manager of Collections, have created an excellent exhibit.

Geologic History, Part Of The Standard Exhibits Of The Library

Onslow County is on the far southern end of the Inner Banks area. I live near the far northern end of the Inner Banks. Though I dawdled a little in my drive down U.S. 17, it was a only little over two hours from Colerain to reach the Museum in Richlands, just West of Jacksonville. I got to their museum late in the afternoon.

The first thing I saw upon entry to the museum is a great little exhibit on model trains. Not surprising. Model trains are popular with everyone and you have to have things that attract people to get them to come to museums. Other museums might take a lesson on doing things that attract.

Rites Of Passage: Life's Defining Moments

The Onslow Museum regular exhibits are quite impressive. One neat touch is a neon sign from the old Iwo Jima Theater in Jacksonville. The legend is that the first movie played there was "The Sands of Iwo Jima." This is appropriate with the local Marine Corps presence. More people should be aware of what happened at Iwo Jima as it is an important symbol of our nation. [Click here for our recent Patriot Blog article on "Flags of our Fathers" about Iwo Jima]

The Onslow County Museum also has a special section for temporary exhibits they call their "Changing Gallery". It was here that they had put up their "Rites of Passge" exhibit that brought me. It is an impressive attraction to draw visitors.

Some Of The Numerous Stages Covered

The exhibit is a great balance between items that document the symbolism of the passages from one stage to another stage that we all go through, and some well written explanations of what these different "passages" mean.

One Of The Most Important Of Mankinds "Rites Of Passages", The Symbolism Of Marriage

Wedding Dresses For The Marriage "Passage"

"Passage" To Manhood For Patriots

Cyrus B. Glover's Cast Iron Coffin, Symbol Of Our Final "Passage"

I think that museums serve an important purpose for our lives when they do more than simply document history. This is an exhibit that has lessons for how we live today. "Rites of Passage" is quite impressive. I don't have room in the article for all the pictures that I took that have interesting information. I recommend you go see for yourself.

Some Special "Rites of Passage" Exhibit Memorabilia

As I pulled out of the parking lot to leave, there was a great sunset visible from the little park that fronts the museum. It was a nice ending to a very special visit. I recommend the Onslow Museum to everyone. Especially for the months left of the "Rites of Passage" exhibit. It is very well done and worth the time.

Goodbye To "Passages" For This Day