NC Museum of History Announces the Start of an Exciting Transformation!

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The North Carolina Museum of History Announces Upcoming Redesign of Museum and Exhibits

The museum will close to the public Oct. 7 and provide digital experiences throughout physical closure 

Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina Museum of History announces the start of an exciting transformation! This historic gem, proudly affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, is gearing up to unveil a dramatic new experience in a few years that will redefine how visitors connect with the vibrant tapestry of North Carolina's past.

To prepare for the renovation, the third-floor exhibits will close on June 3, 2024. The first-floor exhibits and the physical museum building will close on October 7, 2024. The Museum Shop will remain open to the public until December 29, 2024. Expected to span two to three years, this museum makeover promises an extraordinary journey deep into the heart of North Carolina's past. The project is made possible through funding authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly and Governor Roy Cooper.

As the museum undergoes this metamorphosis, its dedication to education and the public stands firm. Students and educators statewide will continue to enjoy a bounty of digital resources, ensuring that the quest for knowledge never pauses. For the public, anticipate an array of virtual programs and live events spanning the length and breadth of North Carolina. Enhanced online services are in the works, set to deliver immersive digital exhibit tours straight to your fingertips.

Brad Wilson, Interim Director of the NC Museum of History and Division of State History Museums, shares the excitement, declaring, "We're embarking on an incredible journey, and what awaits us on the other side is nothing short of extraordinary—reimagined exhibits that will bring North Carolina history to life.”

Established in 1902 as the Hall of History, the museum found its permanent home on 5 East Edenton Street, downtown Raleigh, in 1994. Now, after thirty years, it's time for a grand revitalization—a testament to the museum’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding and celebrating North Carolina's storied heritage.

Don’t miss current opportunities to engage with the museum’s open exhibitions; there are still a lot of exhibits, live music, and programs to explore. Later as the construction unfolds, don't miss the chance to explore the treasure trove of online museum programs and in-person statewide opportunities.

For further details, click the links above or visit ncmuseumofhistory.org.

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About the N.C. Museum of History

The North Carolina Museum of History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, fosters a passion for North Carolina history. This museum collects and preserves artifacts of state history and educates the public on the history of the state and the nation through exhibits and educational programs. Admission is free. In 2023, more than 355,000 people visited the museum to see some of the 150,000 artifacts in the museum collection. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

About the Smithsonian Affiliations Network

Since 2006, the North Carolina Museum of History has been a Smithsonian Affiliate, part of a select group of museums and cultural, educational and arts organizations that share Smithsonian resources with the nation. The Smithsonian Affiliations network is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums and other educational and cultural organizations to enrich communities with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at affiliations.si.edu.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the N.C. Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.