Administrator’s Letter
Spring greetings from the Historic Resources and Museum (HRM) Program. This issue of the Raleigh Register highlights the outdoors and the many unique plants, trees, flowers and gardens throughout our program. Whether visiting the gardens at Mordecai, Fletcher Park, or Pullen, visitors can truly enjoy our singular spaces and spring is one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors. Read more about our parks and programs in the newsletter and check the HRM Program’s website and Parks social media channels for the most up-to-date schedule, registration details, and event locations. All events are open to the public, with many offered free of charge.
In other exciting news, we welcomed new staff in the program. Nancy Dragotta began duties as the newly created Program Manager at Moore Square. Nancy hails from Western New York. She is a proud alumnus of Daemen University in their History and Government Program. Outside of work, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family and pets, going to live music and theatre events, visiting Farmer’s Markets, bookstores and coffee shops, reading, swimming, watching classic monster and sci-fi movies and playing retro videogames. Please visit the Square soon and say Hello to Nancy in her new role!
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
“If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness,” St. Therese of Lisieux.
Pretty soon bees will be buzzing all around and a sheet of pollen will cover our yards and our cars. This is truly a clear signal that spring is upon us and all sorts of plants and flowers will begin to sprout their crowning glory and beauty. One magnificent display of beauty in Raleigh which showcases a splendor of beautiful colors is the Raleigh Rose Garden. Every year, thousands of flowers start to bloom in early spring and continue through late fall. The Raleigh Rose Garden is not an HRM property, but is historically relevant nonetheless. Originally, the garden consisted of donations of bulbs, plants, shrubs, and trees from garden clubs and individuals across the state. Drought killed most of the original plantings but Cantey Venable Sutton, a civic leader who spearheaded the construction of the Raleigh Little Theatre campus, would not let the gardens go, nor the notion of roses. She headed a formal Rose Garden Committee and successfully campaigned the Raleigh City Council to budget funds for establishing and maintaining the
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Audrey Morgan Chair HRM Advisory Board
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Collections Corner: Plants Aplenty!
Ainsley Powell, Curator of Collections
Seed packet, 1935-1953
Chair’s Letter Continued
Pruning shears, date unknown Garden trowel, 1900-1940
garden. In 1947, landscape architect R.J. Pearse mapped out a 250-by-132-foot area for, at last, rose beds. Amos Fowler of Fowler’s Nursery planted the first rose in 1948. Between 1948 and 1950, what was then the Raleigh Parks Department planted 3,000 rose bushes with various shrubs and trees, constructed a memorial fountain and trellises, and planted azaleas. Today, the Rose Garden thrives in all its glory under the care of the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department and a crew of hard- working volunteers known as the Dead-Headers. Roses bloom from May until fall’s first frost in October or November. You can find the roses blooming in their prime around Mother’s Day. Considered a premier destination for photography shoots and weddings, the Raleigh Rose Garden is certainly one of the most treasured sites in the City of Raleigh. I think I will take time to go by and smell the roses.
Interior landscaping inside the Wake County Courthouse, September 1970
Ellen Mordecai Garden
Article and map from the Mordecai Historic Park archives
In her 1933 memoir, Gleanings from Long Ago, Ellen Mordecai recalled as a child the “big old-fashioned” garden was a “favorite place for us to play.” Today, visitors can catch a glimpse of the splendor of Ellen’s recreated childhood garden at Mordecai Historic Park. Of course, spring is an optimal time to view the garden, which grows many of the same flowers, herbs, and vegetables that Ellen remembered from her youth in the mid-nineteenth century.
The Ellen Mordecai Garden was recreated in 1973 and reflects the descriptions that Ellen shares in Gleanings from Long Ago. The walkways around the square herb and vegetable beds along with the flower borders are reminiscent of the ones in the 1840’s. “Oldfashioned roses” and lilies still present a burst of color as the fragrance of lavender and rosemary fills the air. Tasty summer treats such as vine-ripened tomatoes and juicy ground cherries flourish today as they did in Ellen’s day.
Drawing reflecting Mordecai Garden recreated based on Ellen Mordecai’s memory, 1973
Mordecai Petits Fours
Recipe from the Mordecai Historic Park archives, ca. 1970s
Ingredients:
2 eggs
2 egg yokes
1 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup milk
5 tablespoons melted butter
Glaze: 4 cups sugar
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 container decorating frosting
Sprinkles
In a large bowl, beat eggs and egg yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add sugar, beating until thick and lemon colored.
Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to egg mixture with milk and butter, beating well after each addition. (Batter will be thick).
Spread evenly into a greased and floured 15” x 10” x1” baking pan. Bake at 350° degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cut a thin slice off each side of cake. Cupcakes into 1 ¼ inch squares. Freeze cakes.
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Bring to a boil, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reaches 226° degrees. Cooled to 100° degrees; beat in confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
Keeping glaze warm up, dip cake squares into glaze with a two-tine fork, allowing excess to drip off. Place on wire rack over waxed paper. Add hot water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if glaze becomes too thick.
Let dry completely. Decorate with frostings and sprinkles.
Did You Know: Seeds of Knowledge
HRM Managers were asked to submit fun facts about flora found around the program. Here’s what we came up with:
In 1935, the Raleigh Garden Club organized a Tree Personality Contest, inviting residents to choose a tree to represent the city. Voting resulted in a close tie between the Crape Myrtle and the Dogwood. Ultimately, the Crape Myrtle emerged victorious, and 1000 saplings were planted across the city. Learn more at the Planting Power: 100 Years of the Raleigh Garden Club exhibit, opening on April 4 at the City of Raleigh Museum
One of Fred Fletcher Park’s best features is the garden and grounds making it a popular site for rentals. The centerpiece backdrop of the “wedding aisle” on the grounds is a beautiful Japanese Maple tree that turns a beautiful shade of red.
As part of the 2022 Parks Bond, John P. “Top” Greene Community Center will soon undergo renovations and expansion. Outdoor transformations include the addition of an amphitheater, screend porch, covered porch, and new plantings.
The very first City public program at the newly reopened Latta University Historic Park was a Nature Journal Program cataloging the plant and animal life at Latta. The park had 26 attendees who explored the park and its greenery.
Most people know about the large Osage orange tree on Mordecai Historic Park’s property, but did you know there is a second Osage orange tree on the back corner? In 2018, the tree had a core sample taken which indicated it was more than 100 years old! In 1975, Dr. Aflred Mordecai described the Mordecai property as he remembered it from his youth. He recalled, “some large Osage orange trees [in the front lawn] - and the garden area back of the house was hedged by Osage orange bushes.”
Moore Square has over 1,500 Daffodil (Narcissus) Bulbs planted for spring. They are drought tolerant and attract pollinators. These hardy bulbs are derived from the Dutch, “Affo Dyle” or “that which cometh early” as they are often usher in each spring.
The Dr. M.T. Pope House Museum has a fig tree which produces figs annually. In 2021, Trophy Brewing Company used some of its figs to create a limited run beer!
You can find several Ginkgo biloba specimens in Pullen Park Amusements that are often called “dinosaur trees” because they have been dated back to prehistoric times.
This year, the Tucker House will host the 36th Annual Garden Tour of the Historic Oakwood Neighborhood. This tour takes visitors on an approximately 2-mile self-guided walk of Oakwood where guests will be treated to a curated tea selection. More on tickets here: historicoakwood.org/garden-tour-tea.
Courtesy of Trophy Brewing Company
Upcoming Events
First Friday
Friday, April 4
6 – 9 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Celebrate the opening of our newest exhibit, Planting Power: 100 Years of the Raleigh Garden Club. This exhibition explores the fascinating history of the Raleigh Garden Club.
First Friday Movie and Market
Friday, April 4
Friday, May 9
Friday, June 6
5 – 9 p.m.
Moore Square
Bring a blanket or chair to relax on the lawn for the movie, grab a bite from the food trucks and explore the market! First Friday Market and Movie series is in partnership with Get 2 Know Raleigh.
Beyond the Book
Saturday, April 5
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Borden Building and Fletcher Park
Discover author and illustrator workshops, interactive performances, collaborative art installations, creative crafts, talented vendors, artisan food, and inspiring entertainment. Visit the Paper and Stars Studio Eventbrite to register to receive event updates!
African American Walking Tour
Saturdays, April 5 – June 22
10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Sundays, April 6 – June 23
1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Meet up location is Dr. M.T. Pope House Museum
Discover one of Raleigh’s oldest Black neighborhoods near Shaw University, rich in culture, enterprise, and education. Registration is encouraged.
Family Fun Day
Saturday, April 12
Saturday, May 10
11 a.m. – 2.p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Discover a fresh educational and entertaining theme every month that allows you to explore the museum in exciting and new ways. Don’t miss a fantastic opportunity to bond with your family while learning something new!
Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 12
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Join us for a fun-filled morning hunting for eggs! Egg hunts will begin at 11 a.m. for age groups 0-4, 5-9, and 10 and up. Come before and stay after for crafts, games, and more spring activities.
Introduction to Genealogy
Saturday, April 12
Saturday, May 10
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Park
Drop in for these introductory classes and learn basics on how to research your family.
Lunch Box Lecture
Thursday, April 17
12 – 1 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
This month, Russ Stephenson will speak about the Isabelle Bowen Henderson Garden. Hidden in the heart of West Raleigh, Isabelle Bowen Henderson combined art, architecture and horticulture to produce one of the finest historic landscape designs in North Carolina.
Upcoming Events
Talkin’ Trees
Saturday, April 19
1 – 3 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Have you ever wondered where our trees come from? How do we care for our oldest trees? What types of trees thrive in our area? Join us for an engaging, informative, and family-friendly discussion about our city’s most beloved plants. This is a free event.
Raleigh Foodie Fare with Raleigh MAKRS
Sunday, April 20
Sunday, May 18
Sunday, June 14
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Moore Square
Showcasing the Triangle’s diverse food and art scene, this monthly foodie and art market features 20+ food trucks, 40+ local vendors, drinks, and more!
Annual Heirloom Plant Sale
Friday and Saturday, April 25 – 26
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Heirloom varieties of plants started from seed by the Mordecai Historic Park gardeners will be on sale. Plants include tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs, and much more. Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and provide more information about the garden and grounds.
Children’s Day
Saturday, April 26
1 – 5 p.m.
Come out to Moore Square on Friday, April 26 as we honor the spirit of childhood and celebrate the children in our city during our Children’s Day Event! This event is presented by the City Raleigh Cultural Outreach and Enrichment Program.
Advanced Genealogy Classes
Saturday, April 26
Saturday, May 24
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Park
Have you hit a wall in your family research? Join this class to learn tips and tricks for discovering your family history.
Project Reachout with Downtown
Raleigh Alliance
Thursday, May 1
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Moore Square
Twice per year, the Downtown Raleigh Ambassador Program invites those experiencing or at risk of homelessness and those who need medical or mental health assistance to the Project REACH OUT Day of Care— a one-day, one-stop event in Downtown Raleigh that connects social service and community organizations with the community members who need their support.
Street Requiem
Friday, May 2
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Moore Square
The Chorale and Youth Choir combine forces to sing “Street Requiem”, a work written by Australian composer Kathleen McGuire in collaboration with Andy Payne and Jonathon Welch, to bring attention to those who suffer from housing insecurity and to honor those who have died on the streets. The composers set English, African, and Persian texts in multiple musical styles, including contemporary, gospel, and indigenous. No ticket required for lawn admission; purchase tickets available for reserved seating.
Upcoming Events
First Friday
Friday, May 2
6 – 9 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Connect with the local Raleigh community and explore the museum in an upbeat and enjoyable atmosphere! First Friday’s may feature a unique theme, including performances, crafts, and educational opportunities.
Adult Recess
Saturday, May 3
3 – 8 p.m.
Borden Building and Fred Fletcher Park
Join us for the Third Annual Adult Recess festival! Enjoy games, arts and crafts, food trucks, and shop with local businesses while making new friends. Inflatables, kickball, flag football, limbo, tug-o-war, Double Dutch, musical chairs, and more! Go to the Let’s Get Social Raleigh Eventbrite to register to receive event updates!
Marbles Kids Food Fest
Saturday and Sunday, May 3 – 4
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Marbles Kids Museum and Moore Square
Explore the fun in food through tasting and creating, using kid-friendly tools and learning about foods that fuel the body. Kids can roll up their sleeves for hands-on cooking demonstrations, explore where food comes from, meet real chefs and wellness experts, and enjoy tasty ingredients.
Lunch Box Lecture
Thursday, May 15
12 – 1 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Feed your belly and your brain! Bring your lunch and listen to captivating lecture every third Thursday of the month. This month will feature a presentation by Madison Phillips.
PBS Rootle Roadster Tour
Saturday, May 17
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Marbles Kids Museum and Moore Square
Join us as we play, explore and share free hands-on activities, games, demonstrations with community partners, PBS KIDS educational resources and more. Each stop of the Rootle Roadster Tour features learning experiences through purposeful play that families can enjoy together.
Jewish History Trolley Tour
Sunday, May 18
1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Take this historic journey to uncover Raleigh’s Jewish heritage and history starting with Moses Mordecai, the namesake of Mordecai Historic Park and the first Jewish man recorded to live in Raleigh. We will go on to explore the buildings, sites, and lives of those who built Raleigh’s Jewish community. Tickets are $12 per person and are available at reclink.raleighnc.gov under the Tours section.
Plant Swap
Saturday, May 24
12 – 2 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Are you eager to explore the vibrant world of plants? Do you find yourself with so many that you want to share them? Join us for an exciting and free plant swap. Bring your pest-free, rooted, or potted plants for trade. All varieties of houseplants and outdoor plants are welcome!
International Children’s Day
Saturday, May 31
10 – 3 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Friends of the COR Museum in collaboration with Artist Studio Project Publishing invite you to our 3rd Annual International Children’s Day. This event is intended for children of all ages 0 - 110. Join us for a free fun filled day of storytelling and magic for the whole family.
Upcoming Events
First Friday
Friday, June 6
6 – 9 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
This program provides a lively and engaging way to connect with the local Raleigh community.
Pride Ride – LGTBQ+ Trolley Tour
Sunday, June 8
1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Historic Raleigh Trolley
Join Raleigh Historic Sites and the LGBT Center of Raleigh for a ‘Pride Ride’ celebrating the city’s LGBTQ+ history! This tour will highlight historic locations, neighborhoods, businesses, churches and other points of interest important to the evolution of Raleigh’s LGBTQ+ community. Tickets are $12 per person and are available at reclink.raleighnc.gov under the Tours section.
African American Politics: Past, Present, Future
Friday, June 13
7 – 8 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
For Juneteenth, join the Pope House Museum for a discussion featuring a local guest speaker about the evolution of African American political involvement over the past 150 years.
Family Fun Juneteenth Story Hour
June 14
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Join the City of Raleigh Museum for a program that is both educational and entertaining for families. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to bond with your family while learning something new each month! We will have activities celebrating Juneteenth, including a story time.
Juneteenth at the City of Raleigh Museum
Thursday, June 19
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth with an exciting flag-making activity! Unleash your
creativity and craft your very own Juneteenth flag while enjoying traditional Red Drink.
The Great Raleigh Cleanup
Friday, June 20
Time TBA
Moore Square
Be an environmental steward for Moore Square and join this impactful nonprofit as they embrace the power of community to ensure litter free neighborhoods for all.
World Refugee Day
Saturday, June 21
4 – 7 p.m.
Moore Square
Join us for a World Refugee Day celebration where we recognize, honor, and educate others about the experiences of those who have been forced to flee their homes. This event features: live cultural performances from community groups, diverse local vendors, food trucks, free field games for all ages and a soccer tournament. Come be a part of this special occasion and show your support for our newest neighbors.
Lunch Box Lecture
Thursday, June 26
12 – 1 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Feed your belly and your brain! Bring your lunch and listen to captivating lecture every third Thursday of the month. Lectures will run for 30 minutes. This month will be on the connection between Houseplants and community building.
Evelyn’s Book Club
Wednesday, June 25
6:30 – 8 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Kick off the summer by reading! In honor of Evelyn Pope, the Pope House Museum is starting a book club! The book of the month is Campus to Counter: Civil Rights Activism in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina 1960-1963, by Brian Suttell. Registration is required.
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
• Dr. M.T. 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
CITY OF RALEIGH MUSEUM DIRECTOR
Abby Kellerman
Abigail.Kellerman@RaleighNC.Gov
Tucker House 418 N Person Street Raleigh, NC 27601
CITY OF RALEIGH MUSEUM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Beck Silber
Beck.Silber@RaleighNC.gov
POPE HOUSE MUSEUM SITE DIRECTOR
Hazel Boomer
Hazel.Boomer@RaleighNC.gov
JOHN P. “TOP” GREENE AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL PARK SITE DIRECTOR
Paul Baker
Paul.Baker@RaleighNC.gov
MOORE SQUARE SITE DIRECTOR
David Gill
David.Gill@RaleighNC.gov
MOORE SQUARE ASSISTANT SITE DIRECTOR
Mykey WIlliams
Mykey.Williams@RaleighNC.gov
MOORE SQUARE PROGRAM MANAGER
Nancy Dragotta
Nancy.Dragotta@RaleighNC.gov
Raleigh, NC
Permit No. 813
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
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS PROGRAM MANAGER
VACANT
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS OPERATIONS MANAGER
Andrew Boos
Andrew.Boos@RaleighNC.gov
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Mandy Hunter-Kelly
Amanda.Hunter-Kelly@RaleighNC.gov
raleighnc.gov/museums