The Wayne County Historical Society was organized on April 7, 1955. It quickly grew from 60 members to 363 members in little over a year. The Society incorporated in 1956 and had annual dues of $1 per member. By 1976 over $4,000 had been accumulated in its treasury. On June 28, 1979 the name was officially changed to the Wayne County Historical Association, Inc.

Over the years the Wayne County Historical Association has had an everlasting effect in protecting the rich cultural heritage of Wayne County. Some accomplishments are:

• Facilitated the establishment and furnishing of the Local History Room in the Wayne County Public Library due largely to the work of Charles Norwood Sr. The Association donated over $20,000 for this project. Since its establishment, the Local History Room has expanded and its collection continues to grow.
  
  
• Created Old Waynesborough Commission in 1971. This led to the development of Waynesborough Park, which opened in 1986.
  
  
• Printed “The Heritage of Wayne County” in collaboration with the Old Dobbs County Genealogical Society.
  
  
• Created the Wayne County Museum. In 1986 the Goldsboro Woman’s Club donated their Classic Jeffersonian styled building to the Wayne County Historical Association for use as a Wayne County Museum. From 1986 to 1989 more than $65,000 was raised to restore the outside and ground floor of the building. On December 9, 1988 the Wayne County Museum officially opened with a Victorian Christmas exhibit and preview party attended by 400 people.