Behind the Scenes at the North Carolina Museum of History

Did you know that museums have been around for hundreds of years? Museums help us learn about our history and our cultures by sharing art, artifacts, specimens, and perhaps most important—stories!

In this issue, we take a special look at what happens behind the scenes at the North Carolina Museum of History—the things that aren’t usually seen by the general public. You’ll meet lots of different staff members and learn about what they do. You’ll see a wide variety of projects and you’ll learn how an exhibit comes to be. Life at the museum is busy, creative, challenging—and fun!

Resilience: Tar Heels, Tragedies, and Triumphs

“Resilience” is the ability, strength, and spirit needed to get through hard times. Hard times are challenging. They can be scary. They can make us upset or angry. In this issue of THJH, we bring you a collection of stories of North Carolinians who have demonstrated resiliency during those times of great crisis or hardship.

From the colonial era up to through September 11, 2001, Tar Heel citizens have faced it all: floods, pandemics, wars, inequality. And each time they proved resilient. They survived. They lifted each other up. They led the way. They fought for equality. They rebuilt. They built anew. They left this place a little better for all of us. With resiliency, what can’t you do?  

Making a Living: North Carolina Industries Over Time

What is work? What’s a job? What does “Making a Living” really mean?

The world has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. North Carolina has grown from a more rural, agriculture-based economy to one of the fastest-growing technology centers in the country. This issue of Tar Heel Junior Historian explores the history of North Carolina industries over time: from the traditional “Big Three”—textiles, furniture, and tobacco—to newer industries like tourism, the military, and biotechnology. Other growing industries include information technology, business and financial services, nonprofit arts and culture—and more.

Beginning in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, many North Carolinians found themselves quarantined at home—and we had to find new ways to juggle work, school, and family. The economy took a hit. But computers helped many of us find new ways to keep working and learning.

How will these times change North Carolina industries in the future? What will the “Big Three” be a century from now? How will today’s young Tar Heels be “making a living” when they enter the workforce as adults—and how can we plan now for that future? One thing we know for sure: Learning history is a big part of that story!

Find Your Voice! NC Government: Politics and You:

Everybody learns facts about the three branches of state government in school, right? But what’s that got to do with real life? And why should kids and teens under 18—who aren’t old enough to vote—even care?

This issue answers those questions—and more. Learn about our governors—and the families (and pets) who lived with them in the Executive Mansion. Hear from reporters who cover government and politics at both the state and federal level. And celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, including an up-close look at the court’s history-making pioneers. For a fun twist on politics, students can discover the difference between regular cartoons and political cartoons. And there’s even a fun “game board” graphic to help show how a bill becomes a law.

But how do you “Find Your Voice!” and speak out—without drowning out somebody else’s voice? What if our friends and family don’t always think the same way? THJH offers history-based stories, tips, and ideas that are sure to inspire young people to get involved with the issues that they care about today.

We hope this issue will win your vote!