Welcome to Raleigh, the beautiful state capital of North Carolina. Raleigh is a vibrant city that offers a fascinating blend of modernity and history. One of the best places to experience the city’s rich history is the City of Raleigh Museum. The museum is entirely dedicated to preserving and sharing Raleigh’s past, showcasing the city’s evolution throughout the years. It’s an informative and engaging stop for both visitors and residents of the city, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the area’s history and culture.
The City of Raleigh Museum: A Look into Raleigh’s History
The City of Raleigh Museum, also known as the COR Museum, is an enlightening cultural center that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the city of Raleigh. Established in the early 1990s, the museum aims to preserve and share the interesting and captivating stories of Raleigh’s past with its visitors. The facility caters to both residents and tourists, with its interactive and educational exhibits, events, and programs.
Overview of the City of Raleigh Museum
The City of Raleigh Museum is located in downtown Raleigh, in the historic Briggs Hardware building. The structure was established in the early 20th century and has undergone many renovations since then. Today, the museum occupies the 1924 “art moderne” portion of the building. The facility spans three floors and includes six galleries.
The City of Raleigh Museum offers visitors an immersive experience that connects them to the city’s rich heritage. The exhibits on display showcase Raleigh’s fascinating history, from pre-colonial times to the present day. The museum welcomes visitors of all ages, and admission is always free. You can donate to the facility, but there are no mandatory fees.
The Museum’s Exhibits
The COR Museum offers visitors a captivating window into Raleigh’s past through its exhibits. The displays are interactive, highlighting the city’s rich history, along with the events and people who shaped it. The six galleries in the museum showcase Raleigh’s remarkable diversity and cultural richness. They include –
- The Raleigh Gallery – This exhibit highlights the city’s political history, showcasing the Capitol, Legislative Building, and other iconic landmarks.
- Growing Up In Raleigh – This gallery takes visitors on a journey through Raleigh’s evolving social scene. It features stores, neighborhoods, and other essential cultural landmarks from the city’s past.
- Raleigh Then and Now – This exhibit highlights how much Raleigh has changed since its inception. It showcases past and present-day attractions of the city, including Glenwood South, the Dix Park, and the famous Red Hat Amphitheater.
- Everyday Raleigh – This exhibit features the story of how ordinary Raleigh citizens lived and worked over time. Displays include a 1950s-era kitchen, a 1920s general store, and a vintage Raleigh transit vehicle.
- Raleigh Goes to War – This exhibit honors the people of Raleigh who fought and contributed to both World Wars.
- The City of Oaks – The exhibit showcases the natural history of Raleigh and dispels common myths about the land.
All the exhibits are designed with the visitor’s participation in mind. Guests are encouraged to touch, listen, and interact with the objects on display to make the visit even more enjoyable and informative. The museum’s staff is always available to answer any questions.
COR Museum’s Events and Programs
The COR Museum offers a wide range of events and programs for visitors of all ages. These engaging activities are designed to enrich the museum experience and facilitate learning. Here are some notable programs and events:
- Lecture Series – The museum frequently hosts public lectures by renowned academics, artists, and writers.
- Family Event Days – These special days are meant for families with children. They include interactive activities geared towards kids, such as crafts, scavenger hunts, and games.
- Guided tours – Visitors can book private or group tours to learn more about Raleigh history and the museum’s collections.
- Museum After Dark – This event is designed for adults and includes entertainment, food, and drinks.
There’s always something new and exciting happening at the City of Raleigh Museum, and it’s a great place to spend quality time with friends and family. Whether you’re a local or from out of town, the COR Museum is an excellent way to understand and appreciate the city’s past as you witness its present and future growth.
Exploring the COR Museum’s Collections
The City of Raleigh Museum, commonly known as the COR Museum, is a must-visit for history buffs and curious visitors alike. This unique museum is dedicated to the city’s past, present, and future, showcasing collections that highlight the cultural and historical diversity of Raleigh. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most fascinating exhibits that you can explore at the COR Museum.
The History of Raleigh’s Growth
The “Raleigh Through Time” exhibit is one of the most popular exhibits at the COR Museum. This exhibit delves into the city’s growth from a small town to North Carolina’s capital city. Its galleries feature a range of displays that showcase Raleigh’s natural history, early settlement, and architectural growth, showcasing the city’s rich past.
The collections span centuries, encompassing everything from Native American artifacts to colonial-era maps and documents to modern-day city memorabilia. The exhibit is a treasure trove of information for visitors who want to learn more about Raleigh’s history.
The exhibit includes several interactive displays that allow visitors to step back in time and experience life in Raleigh many years ago. There’s even a replica of an early 20th-century pharmacy that will give you a glimpse into how medicines were prepared and dispensed in those days!
The African American Experience in Raleigh
The “Raleigh’s Neighborhoods: A Diversity of Communities” exhibit at the COR Museum spotlights the contributions of the African American community in the city’s history. The exhibit showcases the African American experience in Raleigh, from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the soundscapes, videos, and oral history narratives of the African American experience in Raleigh. The showcase includes information about the contributions of African Americans in music, the arts, and politics. From early grassroots organizers to modern-day activists, this exhibit shines a light on the diverse and vibrant African American community in Raleigh.
The exhibit also showcases highlights of the Freedom Riders and other civil rights protests that took place in Raleigh during their movement in the 1960s. The display includes photos and newspaper articles from the era, bringing to life the powerful voices and impactful efforts of the city’s civil rights advocates.
Raleigh’s Role in Civil Rights Movements
The “Marching On” exhibit at the COR Museum explores Raleigh’s role in critical civil rights movements, including sit-ins, protests, and other key moments that helped shape modern-day Raleigh. This exhibit offers a vibrant and detailed experience of the city’s civil rights history.
The exhibit includes several displays that bring to life the history of this era, including copies of historic documents, videos, and photographs. Visitors can walk through time and experience significant moments in the fight for civil rights, including sit-ins at the Woolworth lunch counter and much more.
Overall, the COR Museum is an exciting destination that celebrates the rich history and diverse stories of Raleigh. Whether you’re interested in the city’s architecture or its cultural history, there’s something for everyone at this unique and enlightening museum.
Exploring the City of Raleigh Museum
The City of Raleigh Museum, also known as COR Museum, is located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and culture of Raleigh, North Carolina, through permanent and temporary exhibits, educational programs, and community events.
Becoming a COR Museum Volunteer
The City of Raleigh Museum offers an enriching and exciting volunteer program for both high school students and adults who are passionate about history and enjoy interacting with visitors. As a volunteer, you will get the opportunity to engage with visitors, share knowledge, and gain valuable experience in the museum industry. The COR Museum offers a variety of volunteer positions, including:
- Visitor Services: Welcome and guide visitors through the exhibits and help answer their questions.
- Educational Programming: Assist in developing and delivering educational programs for visitors of all ages.
- Special Events: Help organize and facilitate community events in the museum, such as cultural festivals, lectures, and workshops.
- Exhibit Support: Help maintain and update exhibits, including cleaning and organizing.
If you’re interested in volunteering at the COR Museum, visit their website for more information and application instructions.
Donating to the COR Museum
As a non-profit organization, the City of Raleigh Museum relies on donations and contributions from individuals, organizations, and corporations to support its ongoing operations and fund new exhibits, educational programs, and community events. Donations of any size are welcome and appreciated and can be made online, by mail, or in person at the museum.
Becoming a member of the COR Museum is another great way to support its mission and receive exclusive benefits, such as free museum admission, discounts on programs and events, and invitations to members-only events and previews.
To learn more about donating or becoming a member, visit the COR Museum website or contact their development team.
Upcoming COR Museum Events and Programs
The City of Raleigh Museum hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year for people of all ages and interests. From exhibits and tours to workshops and lectures, there is always something new and exciting happening at the museum. Some of their upcoming events and programs include:
- Holiday Open House: A free event for all ages featuring festive crafts, refreshments, and live music.
- “Raleigh Through Time” Walking Tour: Learn about the significant events and people who have shaped Raleigh’s history on this guided tour through Downtown.
- “The Future of Dix Park” Panel Discussion: Join a panel of experts and community leaders for a lively and informative discussion on the future of Raleigh’s beloved Dix Park.
- “History Hunters” Kids Program: A fun and engaging program for kids ages 8-12 to explore and learn about various aspects of Raleigh history.
To stay up-to-date with all the upcoming events, programs, and opportunities offered by the COR Museum, regularly check their website, sign up for their newsletter, or follow them on social media.
The City of Raleigh Museum is an outstanding resource for learning about the history and culture of our city. From its interactive exhibits to its engaging programs and events, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational experience, be sure to visit the COR Museum and discover all that it has to offer!