As the North Carolina governor’s race reaches its peak, a timely exhibit nears completion at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. On Saturday, Oct. 25, the museum will open Elected to Serve: North Carolina’s Governors, an insightful look at nearly 300 years of gubernatorial history. One thing is for sure. . . . The state’s foremost leader has always faced challenges, from pirate encounters during colonial times to today’s budget concerns. Many twists and turns along the way have left a colorful history.
Elected to Serve explores how governors have shaped our state and improved Tar Heel life in areas such as agriculture, industry and education. The exhibit also highlights the contributions of several first ladies to North Carolina. Additional sections focus on political campaigns, voting and inaugural traditions. Elected to Serve will run until Sept. 2009, and admission is free.
Numerous artifacts, photographs and portraits reflect a lively gubernatorial past. The items range from a 1775 North Carolina $5 bill from the days of royal governor William Tryon to the first ticket sold in 2006 for the N.C. Education Lottery, supported by Gov. Mike Easley. A selection of Inaugural Ball gowns, always popular with visitors, includes the 1893 silk dress created for First Lady Eleanor Carr and the satin gown that First Lady Mary Easley danced in at the 2005 Inaugural Ball.
Sixty-six men have led the state of North Carolina, and dozens more presided over the colony before statehood. “Some have made us proud, some have made us angry, and some have made us laugh, but all have worked to make North Carolina a better place,” says RaeLana Poteat, associate curator at the N.C. Museum of History.
Their accomplishments are endless. For example, Gov. Zebulon Vance led the state during the turbulent Civil War years, and O. Max Gardner started programs to help Tar Heels survive the Depression. In the mid-1900s, Kerr Scott brought electricity and phone service to rural North Carolinians and improved roads to “get the farmer out of the mud.” Gov. Terry Sanford initiated the first state-level antipoverty program in the nation, and Gov. James Martin recruited new industries that brought approximately 500,000 jobs during his term from 1985 to 1993. The efforts of these educators, soldiers, farmers, businessmen, lawyers and others have left strong legacies that continue to affect North Carolinians.
Elected to Serve highlights the roles of several first ladies who supported causes. First Lady Fannie Yarborough Bickett, for instance, appeared with her husband before the N.C. legislature in 1920 to promote woman suffrage. During World War II, Alice Broughton supported the war effort by opening the Executive Mansion to house soldiers and by growing a Victory garden on the mansion grounds. Education was a top priority of Gov. James B. Hunt Jr., and First Lady Carolyn Hunt helped develop a statewide reading initiative and volunteered regularly in reading programs.
Whatever 2009 brings for the new governor, he or she will have a long legacy on which to build. Be sure to see Elected to Serve, and discover how the contributions of former governors have enriched the Old North State.
RELATED PROGRAMS
The N.C. Museum of History offers a variety of programs that complement the exhibit Elected to Serve: North Carolina’s Governors, opening Oct. 25, 2008, in Raleigh. All programs are free.
*Make It, Take It: Campaign Countdown
Sunday, Nov. 2
1-3 p.m. (drop-in program)
Be inspired by campaign buttons from the museum collection or use an original design to make your own button to express your views and ideas.
History à la Carte: Nathaniel Macon
Wednesday, Nov. 12
12:10 p.m.
Bring your lunch; beverages provided.
William S. Price Jr., Historian and Author
Nathaniel Macon served in both the state senate and the U.S. Congress. Find out what inspired his character, values and steadfast devotion to the legacy of the American Revolution.
Curator Tour: Elected to Serve: North Carolina’s Governors
Saturday, Nov. 15
2 p.m.
Louise Benner, Curator of Costume and Textiles, N.C. Museum of History
Political figures have shaped our state since its founding. Join the exhibition curator for a special tour of Elected to Serve, and learn how governors and first ladies have contributed to the development of North Carolina from education to agriculture and from industry to cultural expression.
For more information about the museum, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org.
* marks program of interest to children or families
For more information about the museum, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org.
The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. The department’s Web site is www.ncculture.com.