Administrator’s Letter
Hello again from the HRM Program! We hope you enjoy reading this latest issue of the Raleigh Register. As we move into fall and start to enjoy cooling temperatures, shorter days, and changing colors here in Raleigh we also begin to think about the North Carolina State Fair. So, we decided to dedicate this issue of the Raleigh Register to fairs and festivals through the lens of the past. We trust you will enjoy reading about how these fairs and festivals shaped our past and continue to inform our culture today.
We also once again welcome new staff into the HRM Program with Abby Kellerman beginning duties at the new Director of the City of Raleigh Museum and Pope House Museum. Also, Mandy Hunter-Kelly started as our new Customer Service Manager for Pullen Park. We welcome both to the City of Raleigh and the HRM Program!
As always, feel free to reach out to me anytime to tell me what you think of the new newsletter format or just to chat. I am always interested in ways we can make our programs better and for feedback.
Troy
Burton Administrator
HRM Program 919-996-4772
troy.burton@raleighnc.gov
Chair’s Letter
When the air turns cool after a long hot summer, an exciting and robust fall festival may be an event that families truly enjoy. The city of Raleigh has been the host of many fall festivals., such as the IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival and Octoberfest. With the city of Raleigh being squarely located in the southern belt, the idea of A Taste of the South Food Festival certainly appeals to my love of southern cuisine. Just imagine sprinting from food booth to food booth to taste some of many southern food delicacies that will surely raise the senses of your pallet and also warm your belly. The distinct taste of southern barbecue pork, the tantalizing moisture of pound cake, the delectable smoothness of sweet potato pie, the distinct aroma of southern collard greens and the great taste of chicken and dumplings are just a few of the many experiences one can expect to enjoy during the festival. Also, let’s not forget the sweet taste of banana pudding and the sugary sweetness of pecan pie! A Taste of the South Food Festival would surely include popular southern games and activities such as bobbing for apples and cornhole throwing but after sampling all the food cuisines at the food booths, I am afraid my head would not bob and my arm would not throw.
Audrey Morgan Chair HRM Advisory Board
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Collections Corner: The NC State Fair: It All Started with Agriculture
Ainsley Powell, Curator of Collections
NC State Fair booklet pages, including the 4-H booths and seed judging, October 8-12, 1940
Letter from Charles N. Hunter which accompanied a complimentary ticket for the Negro State Fair, October 18, 1930
Ceremonial walking cane given to Chief Marshal Herbert E. Norris, October 1889
Fall Festivals at Fred Fletcher Park
Savannah Hubbard, Programs Assistant, Historic Sites
If you’re a fan of summer concerts, magic-themed markets, or large events that make you feel like you’re in gym class again, Fred Fletcher Park is the place to visit. Fletcher Park and the historic Borden Building have already been the site of several successful community events and festivals in 2024. In April, Raleigh Parks partnered with Let’s Get Social Raleigh to host the second annual “Adult Recess”.
More than 2,000 people visited Fletcher for a day filled with games, arts and crafts, and food trucks. Games included tug-of-war, kickball, and capture the flag to provide the unique fun and nostalgia of school recess, this time for grownups.
The fun will continue at Fletcher Park this fall with whimsical festivals like “Magic & Mischief” on November 9 presented in partnership with Paper & Stars Studio. You’ll be able to shop for unique fantasy-themed gifts and enjoy family entertainment, so young witches and wizards are welcome. On October 5, the Fall Arts Fair will feature vendors of more than 50 local artists involved with Pullen and Sertoma Arts Centers’ programs. We hope to see you at the festivals of Fletcher this season!
Buffalo Bill Visits Mordecai
Douglas Porter, Program Director Historic Sites
Did you know the Mordecai property once hosted traveling circuses? In October 1895, one particularly exciting show took place on the grounds. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show visited Raleigh and reportedly drew a crowd of 6,000 to “Mordecai’s field.” The event showcased the marksmanship of William F. Cody and Annie Oakley as well as their tales of the “old west”, which was not really that distant in 1895.
Local papers drummed up excitement as the Wild West show made plans to come to town. The Press Visitor, September 9, 1895.
The festivities drew such excitement that schools closed for the day so students could attend. The Press Visitor, October 9, 1895.
Upcoming Events
First Friday: Dark Raleigh Teaser Event
Friday, October 4
6 p.m. – 9 p.m
City of Raleigh Museum
Join us for Downtown Raleigh’s First Friday and get a sneak peek of our darkest and most anticipated annual event, Dark Raleigh Walking Tour.
Halloween Party at the Museum
Saturday, October 5
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
The City of Raleigh Museum is throwing a Halloween bash! Put your costume on and come out for an afternoon of Monster Mashing, candy, and crafts.
Witch, Please!
Saturday, October 5
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Join Duke University professor, Dr. Larissa Carneiro, to learn about the term “witch” from early Modernity to Wicca. Carneiro’s scholarship focuses on the intersection of religion, magic, and science. Her research focuses on religions that use psychoactive substances to communicate with the world of deities and spirits.
Upcoming Events
Sewing
Vintage
John P. “Top” Greene Community Center
Saturday, October 5, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesdays, October 8, 15, and 22, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursdays, October 10, 17, and 24, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, October 19, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesdays, November 12 and 19, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursdays, November 14 and 21, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, November 16, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday, December 7, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, December 10, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Explore the legacy of Raleigh’s Kay sisters including Willie Otey Kay in our Sewing Vintage beginners level class. Learn to sew historical garments, dresses, and accessories. For more information, please call (919) 996-6580.
The Collections Staffer is IN!
Thursdays, November 14 and 21
Thursdays, December 12 and 19
City of Raleigh Museum
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Stop by the COR Museum to see artifact work in action in the new Collections Corner exhibit space. Staff will be demonstrating various museum techniques which are utilized every day to assess and care for the artifacts in the HRM Program Collection.
Lunchbox Lectures
Thursday, October 17
Thursday, November 2
Thursday, December 19
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Feed your belly and your brain! Bring your lunch to the City of Raleigh Museum and listen to a lecture every Third Thursday of the month. Lectures will run for 30 minutes and topics will vary each month.
Haunted Trolley
Friday, October 18 and 25
Saturday, October 19 and 26
6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 8:45 p.m.
Historic Raleigh Trolley
Discover history, mystery, and lore with your ghost host on the Haunted Trolley for a special tour of downtown Raleigh’s most haunted places. Jump aboard and keep your eyes open for ghostly visitors of years past ... they’ve just been dying to have you. Tickets on sale soon at reclink. raleighnc.gov . For more information, please call (919) 996-4364.
History Explorers
Saturday, October 19
Saturday, November 23
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Historic Raleigh Trolley
Hop on the Historic Raleigh Trolley to travel through time! During this family series we’ll visit different historic sites and museums in the Raleigh area for hands-on kids’ activities and to learn more about the past. Register at reclink.raleighnc.gov
Dark Raleigh Walking Tour
Thursday, October 24, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday, October 25, 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
An after-hours interactive walking tour that brings to life the stories of the Capital City’s tortured spirits. Tours begin every half hour and last approximately 45 minutes. This walking tour is not for the faint of heart. Must be 16+ due to the mature content.
City Cemetery Walking Tour
Saturday, October 26
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Have you ever strolled through Raleigh’s City Cemetery and wondered about the people buried there? Members of the HRM Advisory Board and Historic Cemeteries Advisory Board have teamed up to host walking tours you don’t want to miss! Visit raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/ news/city-cemetery-walking-tour for more information.
Spellbound at Mordecai
Saturday, October 26
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Magic abounds at Spellbound at Mordecai! Create spooky crafts, enter our costume contests, join The Ghost Guild’s Haunted Mordecai presentation, and shop for enchanting handmade items from our vendors while experiencing Mordecai Historic Park under the spell of Halloween. For more information, please call (919) 996-4364.
First Friday: 8th Annual Day of the Dead Celebration
Friday, November 1
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
In collaboration with the Artist Studio Project and the Friends of COR, the COR Museum will be celebrating Dia de los Muertos at the museum on First Friday.
Community Lectures: Wake County Animal Center
Thursday, November 7
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Get to know more about your local animal center! Join Meagan Frost from the Wake County Animal Center as she dives into topics related to the animal center and animals in our community. This event is free to the public! 13+ recommended.
American Indian Symposium
Saturday, November 9
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Celebrate American Indian Heritage Month at the City of Raleigh Museum! This event will include speaker, vendors, and crafts. Free event!
Upcoming Events
Magic and Mischief: A Wizard’s Market
Saturday, November 9
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fred Fletcher Park
The Wizard’s Market appears for only one day in a cloaked location each year. Encounter mysterious characters and fantastic beasts, create magical crafts, shop for enchanting items, and practice spells with professors from a certain famous wizarding academy. For more information, please call (919) 996-4364.
The Doctor Is in Lecture Series
Friday, November 15
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Dr. Chad Swanson DO, MPH and La’Cura Venable MA, LPN will discuss the History of St. Agnes Hospital and Dr. Andrew Lawson Scruggs and how Black medical practitioners’ broke barriers in the field of medicine despite racism and Jim Crow laws.
The Doctor is in History Tour
Saturday, November 16
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Pope House Museum
Come learn about how Black medical doctors like Dr. Manassa Pope and Dr. Lewyn McCauley practiced medicine. Tours include original medical tools and medical remedies from the Pope collection, Pope Family Papers from UNC’s Southern Historical Collection and The Country Doctor Museum!
Museum Store Sunday
Sunday, December 1
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Support your local museum store and shop small at the City of Raleigh Museum! Museum stores are a place to find unique gifts for yourself or others while supporting cultural institutions that harbor history for future generations.
First Friday: Sip ‘n’ Shop
Friday, December 6
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Get your holiday shopping done at the City of Raleigh Museum! Stroll through the museum where local vendors will have one-of-a-kind gifts while beautiful music plays, and you have a fancy cocktail in your hand.
Santa’s Trolley
Friday, December 13
Saturday, December 14
Sunday, December 15
5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.
Historic Raleigh Trolley
Santa is lost in Raleigh, and Holly the Elf needs your help to find him in time for Christmas. Do you know where he might be? Jump aboard the Raleigh Trolley and help Holly the Elf track down Santa in time for Christmas. Tickets on sale soon at reclink.raleighnc.gov . For more information, please call (919) 996-4364.
Merry and Bright Market
Saturday, December 14
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Join Santa’s elves for a merry celebration of the most wonderful time of the year! Visit our vendors to find unique gifts, create festive crafts, enjoy seasonal entertainment, and visit the beautifully decorated Mordecai House during the park’s annual Open House weekend. For more information, please call (919) 996-4364.
Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 14
Sunday, December 15
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Join us for the annual Holiday Open House at Mordecai Historic Park! See how the Mordecai House would have been decorated over the past 239 years and learn about different holiday traditions. Walk through the beautifully decorated house and enjoy music, games, crafts, and more. For more information, please call (919) 996-4364.
Holiday Crafts at the Museum
Saturday, December 14
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Spend the afternoon creating ornaments and decorations that you can cherish for years to come! This is a free, family friendly event.
8th
Annual La Chocolatada de Lusito
Sunday, December 15
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
This free, family friendly event is part of the 10th Annual El Quixote Festival. Artist Studio Project, Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum, El Centro Hispano, and the Dominican Association of NC invite you to join us at the City of Raleigh Museum for story time, free books, crafts, chocolate treats, and more!
Movie at the Museum
Saturday, December 21
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Bring your snacks and get cozy! The City of Raleigh Museum invites you to take a break from the holiday bustle and relax while enjoying a holiday movie in the museum. This event is free and family-friendly. Holiday pajamas are encouraged!
Historic Resources and Museum Program
In July 2012, Raleigh City Council created the Historic Resources and Museum Program, hereinafter the HRM Program, with the express purpose of protecting and programming identified cultural, museum, and historic resources within the City of Raleigh.
The HRM Program manages operations and programs at:
• Borden Building and Stone Circle at Fletcher Park
• City of Raleigh Museum
• Fred Fletcher Amphitheater at Fletcher Park
• John Chavis Memorial Park Carousel – Conservation
• John P. “Top” Greene Community Center
• Latta University Historic Park
• Moore Square
• Mordecai Historic Park
• Pope House Museum
• Pullen Park Historic Attractions
• Raleigh Trolleys
• Tucker House
Additionally, The HRM Program manages an artifact collection consisting of more than 30,000 fine and decorative material culture objects.
Raleigh Register
Raleigh Parks | Historic Resources and Museum Program
HRM Program Staff
HRM PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR
Troy Burton
Troy.Burton@RaleighNC.gov
HRM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
HISTORIC SITES
Douglas Porter
Douglas.Porter@RaleighNC.gov
HRM PROGRAM DIRECTOR MUSEUMS
Ernest Dollar
Ernest.Dollar@RaleighNC.gov
HRM CURATOR OF COLLECTIONS
Ainsley Powell
Ainsley.Powell@RaleighNC.gov
HRM CURATOR OF EXHIBITS AND DESIGN
Kathryn Neuhart
Kathryn.Neuhart@RaleighNC.gov
MOORE SQUARE DIRECTOR
David Gill
David.Gill@RaleighNC.gov
Tucker House 418 N Person Street Raleigh, NC 27601
MOORE SQUARE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Mykey WIlliams
Mykey.Williams@RaleighNC.gov
MUSEUMS DIRECTOR
Abby Kellerman
Abigail.Kellerman@RaleighNC.Gov
ASSISTANT MUSEUMS DIRECTOR
Vacant
HISTORIC SITES MANAGER
Josh Ingersoll
Joshua.Ingersoll@RaleighNC.gov
HISTORIC SITES ASSISTANT MANAGER
Kimberly Oliver
Kimberly.Oliver@RaleighNC.gov
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS DIRECTOR
Scott Mott
Scott.Mott@RaleighNC.gov
US Postage PAID
Raleigh, NC
Permit No. 813
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS PROGRAM MANAGER
Deanna Ludwick
Deanna.Ludwick@RaleighNC.gov
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS OPERATIONS MANAGER
Andrew Boos
Andrew.Boos@RaleighNC.gov
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND RESERVATIONS MANAGER
Mandy Hunter-Kelly
Amanda.Hunter-Kelly@RaleighNC.gov