The Michael Jordan Discovery Gallery, in cooperation with the Jordan family, Junior League of Wilmington and other community members, was developed as an interactive learning space for children, and showcases three environments - Upland Forest, Bottomland and Maritime Forest. There is an excellent aviation exhibit that features pioneer aviators, including the first person to loop an airplane, and the startup airline, Piedmont.
Kids can sit in a real airplane, too.
And, there is such an excellent collection of marine and nautical artifacts, it adds real impact to the maritime history of the area. Hands-on opportunities let young visitors feel animal skins, smell turpentine, touch cotton, sound a ship's horn, design money, and make decisions concerning community planning and transportation. The model enthusiast will enjoy miniature re-creations of Wilmington's waterfront, c.1863, and the fall of Fort Fisher which closed the port of Wilmington to blockade runners in 1865. A background mural complements the Fort Fisher scene which has been researched accurately to show Union troops storming the fort and their desperate fight with Confederate counterparts. The placement of the 16' X 21' waterfront model by a stairwell allows an aerial view as well as access on three sides.