RALEIGH — Since July, State Capitol visitation numbers have been rising steadily. The month of October saw the biggest jump with a 43 percent increase in visitation numbers over the previous year. More tours, a variety of special programs and even a film crew all boosted visitation numbers. Such increases are part of a year-long trend at the State Capitol and other State Historic Sites and museums.
Among special activities during October at the State Capitol were a commemorative bench dedication, a special seasonal tour and the filming for a documentary about the formation of Winston-Salem. This is in addition to the hundreds of school children and tourists who weekly come through to see the Old House and Senate Chambers where legislators used to work, the original State Library and State Geologist office and the classical statue of George Washington. The Capitol also includes offices for the governor and staff.
Upcoming is the annual holiday tree lighting program and story time with Gov. Bev Perdue and Santa that will start at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6.
North Carolina is known far and wide for its authentic cultural experiences, and historic sites and museums are great destinations for those important cultural and heritage travelers, who stay longer and spend more money in local economies.
“Visitors are discovering that our state supported historic sites and museums offer great family fun, says Cultural Resources Secretary Linda Carlisle, who noted that state historic sites overall are having good visitation this fall.
For additional information call (919) 807-7389. To learn more about the special events occurring every day at state cultural and historic attractions, visit www.ncculture.com.
The State Capitol is a unit of N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. For more information on North Carolina arts, history and culture, visit Cultural Resources online.