The CTCRC is housed in the renovated Columbia Theater, a former movie palace that had fallen into disrepair. The focus of the CTCRC is on human interaction with the environment on the upper Albemarle-Pamlico peninsula, especially as witnessed through the heritage of farming, fishing, and forestry. Exhibit areas filled with artifacts from these three ways of life help tell the story of how people have utilized the region's resources through the centuries, while a variety of antiques, memorabilia, other items show visitors some of the common household needs and business wares of eras past. Perhaps the most unique exhibit in the Theater is an animatronic figure called "Hunter Jim," who talks about the sporting heritage of Tyrrell County. The Columbia Theater has added an antique and gift shop.