RALEIGH – For most North Carolina students prior to the Civil War, education was only available a few weeks or months a year to white children only, if at all. Families often paid for schooling since public schools had limited geographic reach. Only white male property owners could vote or hold office. That and more changed with a new North Carolina constitution in 1868. The election of a Republican majority to the Constitutional Convention, including 15 African Americans, led to changes that remain in effect today.
“Constitutional Tales” is a free program at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh on April 30, at 10 a.m., presented by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, Office of Archives and History. In a multimedia presentation, UNC-Charlotte Professor Ann McColl will review the oft-overlooked facts leading to the creation of the new constitution. Facts show that carpetbaggers led in securing the constitutional right to universal male suffrage and education, and free black men and newly freed male slaves set the agenda for the public school system.
McColl, an attorney and associate professor of educational leadership at UNC-Charlotte, highlights the evolution of the state’s public education system. She weaves biography, law and history into a rich, insightful narrative. A multimedia presentation using historical documents, photos, and maps bring the full meaning of North Carolina’s constitution to life. She combines stories of key political figures and events with legal analysis to create an engaging and informative presentation
For additional information, call 919-807-7385. The N.C. Office of Archives and the Museum of History are within the Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. It is now podcasting 24/7 with information about the Department of Cultural Resources, all available at www.ncculture.com.