The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced today that C.J. Roberts will lead the North Carolina Division of State History Museums as its next executive director. This announcement follows a nationwide search led by moss+ross that began last year. A museum professional for more than 30 years, Roberts has led four history museums, including two museums through their planning, construction, and grand openings. Most recently he has been president and CEO of the Tampa Bay History Center since September 2005.
“I am honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of North Carolina’s history museum system,” said Roberts. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated staff and stakeholders to advance our shared mission of preserving, promoting, and celebrating the state’s rich heritage. I am excited to build on the thoughtful planning already underway and to contribute to the museum system’s continued growth and impact.”
In this role, Roberts will lead the North Carolina Division of State History Museums comprised of its flagship North Carolina Museum of History (NCMOH) in Raleigh, which is currently undergoing renovations, and seven regional museums comprised of Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras, Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort, Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, Museum of the Cape Fear in Fayetteville, North Carolina Maritime Museum at Beaufort, North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, and Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly.
In October 2024, the North Carolina Museum of History embarked on a transformative journey to reimagine how visitors experience the state’s rich history within the downtown Raleigh building. As part of this exciting project, the building has been temporarily closed for a comprehensive renovation that will take two to three years. This effort includes essential updates, such as improving accessibility, updating the HVAC system, repairing leaks, and expanding exhibit spaces to highlight the many voices and stories that shape North Carolina’s past. The renovation will usher in a new era for the museum, with reimagined exhibits and interactive experiences that offer deeper insight into North Carolina’s vibrant past. Additionally, the Mountain Gateway Museum suffered extensive damage due to Hurricane Helene; Roberts will oversee the repair and reopening.
“North Carolina’s history museums tell the rich and complex story of our state and foster learning for school children and people of all ages,” said N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell. “We are pleased to announce that after an extensive nationwide search, C.J. Roberts will be the next executive director and lead the State History Museum Division through this exciting and crucial new period.”
Roberts is community-focused and serves on various boards and committees, both locally in the Tampa Bay area and nationally. He has served on the boards of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Arts Council of Hillsborough County (Chairman, 2020-2022), the University of South Florida Libraries Dean’s Advisory Council, the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, and the International Council on Monuments and Sites’ International Committee for the Collections and Activities of Museums of Cities. In 2018, Roberts was appointed to a six-year term as one of nine members of the American Alliance of Museums Accreditation Commission, a governing body responsible for making decisions regarding accreditation of individual museums and overseeing the accreditation process.
“It has been an immense honor to serve as the interim director of the North Carolina Museum of History and the Division of State History Museums and its incredible staff,” said Brad Wilson, interim executive director of the North Carolina Museum of History. “Working with such a dedicated team committed to preserving and sharing our state’s rich and multifaceted history has been a privilege. I am confident that C.J. Roberts will lead the museum into an exciting new chapter, continuing our commitment to safeguarding and celebrating North Carolina’s rich heritage.”
Roberts earned both of his degrees from Indiana University, a B.A. in History and Folklore and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science. He will begin the role this spring.
Media Contacts:
Mary Huntley
Director of Communications and Marketing
Mary.Huntley@dncr.nc.gov
Alexa Scattaregia
Marketing Specialist
Alexa.Scattaregia@dncr.nc.gov