The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will continue to display the exhibit "It's Electrifying!" through Jan. 6.

This traveling exhibit from the North Carolina Museum of History highlights how the distribution of electric power changed lives throughout the state in the early 20th century.

As more homes and communities got power, the demand for electric appliances grew, which manufacturers promised would make housewives' chores easier. The exhibit illustrates this by contrasting pre-electric devices such as waffle irons, toasters, coffeepots, clocks, fans and irons with their electric-powered counterparts.

"Today, we have become accustomed to rapidly changing technology and how it affects our lives," says David Reid, museum administrator. "Imagine less than a century ago, most North Carolinians lived without electricity."

By 1905, electricity was commonplace in most cities, but did not reach some rural communities until the 1940s.

The exhibit also highlights the advantages of electric lighting and the creation of distribution systems that made the electrification of the state possible.

The museum is extending the exhibition dates due to its availability from the Museum of History.

"It is good to have the exhibit on display throughout the fall, when we get many school groups on field trips," Reid says. "Also, we invite visitors to look at the exhibit and then tour the 1897 Poe House, which is part of the historical complex. The house interprets life from 1897 through World War I, giving visitors a chance to see how electricity would have impacted people in this area. We have many activities planned this fall for the Poe House, including Halloween Revels Night Tours, Victorian Halloween Themed Tours, a Jack-o'-Lantern contest, Poe House Trick or Treat, Holiday Jubilee, and the house will be decorated for the holidays."

Admission is free. For more information call (910) 486-1330.

The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues in Fayetteville, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

To learn more, visit www.nc culture.com.