RALEIGH – What happened to the first State House, who actually built the Capitol, and why does George Washington’s statue wear a skirt are some of the useful tidbits shared by docent volunteers at the State Capitol. Docents give tours to student and adult groups who travel to Raleigh from all over the state and country, and more volunteers are needed.
Docent training sessions will be held Oct. 12 and 19, from 9 a.m. to noon. New docents will learn to give tours of the 169-year-old Capitol, and learn local and state history. No previous experience is required, just curiosity about history, enjoyment of working with children, and a few hours a month to volunteer. Volunteers receive a monthly newsletter, the opportunity for additional training, and recognition dinners.
To sign up for training or for more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cathy Johnson at 919-715-4995 or via email, cathy.johnson@ncdcr.gov.
A National Historic Landmark, the N.C. State Capitol is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of the Greek Revival style of architecture in the U.S. It features a domed rotunda and state senate and house chambers, meticulously restored to their 1840 appearance. Until 1888, its granite walls housed all of state government and the legislature met here until 1961. Today, the governor and her staff still occupy offices in the Capitol.
The State Capitol’s mission is to preserve and interpret the architecture, history, and functions of the 1840 Capitol building and Union Square where it is located. In downtown Raleigh, the State Capitol is bounded by Edenton, Salisbury, Morgan and Wilmington Streets. Free parking is available in state lots near the Capitol. For more information on the State Capitol call 919-733-4994 or go to http://www.nchistoricsites.org/capitol.
Administered by the Division of State Historic Sites, the State Capitol is one of 27 State Historic Sites of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.