Caswell Developmental Center

Caswell Developmental Center Museum is a medical and social history museum in Kinston that documents how care for people with developmental disabilities has changed over time. The collection includes equipment, records, and documents from different periods that show the evolution of treatment practices and support approaches.

The center opened in 1914 as North Carolina's first facility dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities. It was named after Richard Caswell, who served as the state's first governor.

The museum exhibitions present the progression of societal perspectives and treatment approaches for individuals with developmental disabilities throughout different decades.

The museum is located on West Vernon Avenue and is open to visitors during weekday business hours with no admission fee. Plan your visit for a weekday morning or afternoon to experience the exhibits at your own pace.

The facility once housed hundreds of residents in a residential care model but shifted its focus toward preparing people for independent living and work skills in their own communities. This transformation reflects a major change in how society approaches disability support.