The North Carolina Museum of History is embarking on a transformative journey that will redefine how visitors experience the state's rich history. As part of this project, the physical museum building will close to the public Oct. 7 to begin an exciting makeover that will last two to three years. The Museum Shop will remain open to the public until Dec. 29, 2024.
The renovation will usher in a new era for the museum, with reimagined exhibits and interactive experiences that offer deeper insights into North Carolina’s vibrant past. This will be the first major renovation since the museum opened in 1994.
Improvements will include replacing the building’s HVAC system, installing a new freight elevator and fixing leaks throughout the building. The museum will relocate its 150,000 artifacts to a secure and environmentally sound location to ensure their preservation during renovation.
As the construction unfolds, don’t miss the chance to explore the treasure trove of online museum programs and in-person statewide opportunities. 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 various virtual programs, immersive digital exhibit tours, live events and festivals throughout the state.
Come and celebrate the last few weeks of the museum building being open by exploring current exhibitions, live music performances and a special celebration to help kick off the transformative journey.
Final In-Person Programs and Events:
Tar Heel Troubadours: Shannon Whitworth and Woody Platt
Saturday, Sept. 14, 7–9:30 p.m.
Tickets: MOHA/museum members $12; general admission $15
Shannon Whitworth and Woody Platt, a husband-and-wife duo, have been writing, recording and performing music together. Whitworth is known for her work as a songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. Platt, formerly of Steep Canyon Rangers, has been pursuing solo projects. His debut single, “One Last Goodbye,” topped the bluegrass charts for several months.
Then, Now and Next: Honoring our Legacy, Embracing the Future
Saturday, Sep. 26, 6–9 p.m.
Tickets: MOHA/museum members $20; general admission $35
Celebrate 30 years in the museum’s building with an unforgettable evening of live music, guided tours and fun surprises.
Tar Heel Troubadours: Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks
Friday, Oct. 4, 7–9:30 p.m.
Tickets: MOHA/museum members $12; general admission $15
Rissi Palmer has coined her own genre called, “Southern Soul,” and advocates for marginalized musicians through her radio show, Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer. Miko Marks has created a unique sound by blending country, blues, southern rock and gospel, earning widespread acclaim and establishing herself as a catalyst for change in the country music genre.
Tar Heel Troubadours: Henhouse Prowlers
Saturday, Oct. 5, 7–9:30 p.m.
Tickets: MOHA/museum members $12; general admission $15
The Henhouse Prowlers have been sharing their original music for nearly two decades. Their latest album, Lead and Iron, features their powerful songwriting and intricate instrumentation. Their experiences around the world have influenced their approach.
For a full list of upcoming events, visit ncmuseumofhistory.org and plan your visit today. We look forward to welcoming you for these final in-person moments before our new chapter begins!
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.