The Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, Inc. was founded in 1956 as a non-political, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the preservation and study of history in the Lower Cape Fear region. The articles of incorporation read: "This corporation is organized to be operated exclusively for literary and educational purposes. To this end said corporation shall collect and preserve records and materials and disseminate knowledge and information pertaining to the history of the Lower Cape Fear, State of North Carolina, and the United States of America." The Society's activities include restoration and exhibition of the Latimer House, a Victorian Italianate upper-class merchant's house in the heart of Wilmington's Historic District; the upkeep of the Society archives containing a wealth of local historic documents and publications, many unique; and a plethora of events, lectures, programs, exhibits, etc. throughout the year.