A collection of the rare, the unique and the unusual can be discovered at Cowan Museum. A multitude of artifacts fill the restored 1848 Kelly-Farrior home depicting the early rural heritage of North Carolina and Duplin County. Scores of woodworking tools, early farm implements, household utensils from the 18th and 19th century, and many other long-forgotten and intriguing items are displayed in the two-story historic dwelling.

On the grounds are a one-room log schoolhouse, a furnished log cabin, 10-foot diameter cart wheels, a blacksmith shop and a log tobacco barn.