Raleigh City Museum: Enriching Future Generations by Preserving the Past
One of two core exhibits at the Raleigh City Museum is entitled “It Started With One Thousand Acres: Raleigh & Its People." Today, the city of Raleigh spans approximately 115 square miles and has the distinction of being named the eighth fastest growing city and the 45th largest city in the United States. But for both residents and visitors, in order to better appreciate what the vibrant city of Raleigh is continuing to become, the thoughtful exhibits within the Raleigh City Museum allow all who enter to experience what the city once was.
Aptly inhabiting the historic Briggs Hardware Building, the Raleigh City Museum serves as the true home for artifacts of the city, its people and its heritage. Here, Raleigh’s rich history is preserved, displayed and discussed through permanent and temporary exhibits, tours and group activities.
Trace the city’s timeline of events from when Raleigh was first deemed North Carolina’s new capital city in 1792, to the fire that destroyed the original state Capitol building in 1831. And by all means, do not miss the permanent exhibit, “Let Us March On: Raleigh’s Journey Towards Civil Rights,” where you can see and hear recollections of the historic movement and its localized, purpose filled, change making efforts throughout the mid-1950s into the mid-1970s.
In addition to the museum’s two core exhibits and its temporaries, it also features outreach gallery programs that allow local community organizations and schools to contribute creative historical concepts for display as space within the museum allows.
For architectural buffs, the historic Briggs Hardware Building, erected in 1874, is as steeped in the history of Raleigh as are the items and information on display inside its notable structure. Four stories high, it’s considered to be Raleigh’s first skyscraper and is regarded as the oldest surviving building on Fayetteville Street. And speaking of Fayetteville Street, a real highlight offered through the museum is the Fayetteville Street Walking Tour which analyzes the different eras of the street’s evolution embodied by the various architectural components flanking the current, thriving thoroughfare.
Whether you are a visitor simply admiring Raleigh or a resident curious to learn more about the city you call home, the Raleigh City Museum is well worth the visit. After all, every day in Raleigh is history in the making!
HelloRaleigh Tip: Be sure to take advantage of the guided Fayetteville Street Walking Tour. It is available for groups by advance appointment, but it is also offered on a standing basis for anyone and everyone Thursdays at 10 a.m. Best of all, the exhibits and tours offered by the museum are free, although donations are certainly appreciated.
Posted by Angela Risko
