Administrator’s Letter
Holiday greetings from the Historic Resources and Museum Program. We wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season full of mirth, joy, and history! As we prepare for 2025, our elves are gearing up for a dynamic and inspiring Black History Month celebration. Each year, we honor the rich cultural heritage and enduring contributions of the Black community through engaging events, interactive exhibits, and educational programming throughout the HRM Program. Read more about these exciting plans 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 two new staff in the program. Beck Silber began duties as the new Assistant Director of the City of Raleigh Museum. Beck most recently worked at the Five Points Center for Active Adults in Recreation and brings a wealth of previous museum experience to us including working at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. The museum section also promoted Hazel Boomer into the newly created role of Site Director at the Dr. M.T. Pope House Museum. Hazel previously served as Program Manager at Pope House Museum. Please help welcome both Beck and Hazel into their new roles with our program.
As always, feel free to reach out to me anytime to tell me what you think of the newsletter or just to chat. I am always interested in ways we can improve our programs.
Cover Photograph:
Troy Burton
Administrator
HRM Program
919-996-4772
troy.burton@raleighnc.gov
Chair’s Letter
As the cold chill of the winter temperatures take hold in Raleigh, I am reminded of the Christmas song “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Although old man winter has settled in Raleigh, there are plenty of fun winter things to do in Raleigh when it’s cold. One way for the entire family to enjoy winter festivities in Raleigh is to be a part of Family Fun Day at the City of Raleigh Museum. On Family Fun Day, you and the family will enjoy an educational and entertaining experience that allows you to explore the museum in exciting and new ways. Come in from the cold and enjoy First Fridays, also being featured at the City of Raleigh Museum. First Fridays offer a unique theme, including performances, crafts, and educational activities. Be sure to visit the Dr. M.T. Pope House Museum for the storytelling of the ‘Bottom Rail on Top’: Black Civil War Reenactors, where you will find yourself traveling back in time to see United States Colored Troops and allies as they tell stories of reallife Black soldiers and their lives in the camps and the front lines. If you and the family would like to experience the essence of Raleigh in winter, come join us on Saturdays from March through December for a narrated, hour-long tour of downtown Raleigh on The Historic Raleigh Trolley. Yes, baby, it’s cold outside, so, let’s grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the City of Raleigh in winter.
Audrey Morgan Chair HRM Advisory
Board
Ida Mae Greene Matthews and John P. “Top” Greene at the Dedication Ceremony of Top Greene Lane, December 14, 1991.
Image courtesy of F. Lonnette Williams
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Collections Corner: The Pope’s
Ainsley Powell, Curator of Collections
Correspondence mailed to Evelyn Bennett Pope when she was a student at Hampton Institute, July 6, 1936
Book of menus and recipes used by Ruth Permelia Pope while a student at Shaw University, 1929
Trunk used by Delia Haywood Phillips [Pope], before 1907
Irrigating curette set used by Dr. M.T. Pope, ca. 1890
HRM Program’s Newest Site Takes Center Stage in City’s Preservation Efforts
Ernest Dollar, HRM Program Director Museums
Every February, attention turns to celebrating Black History Month. But for the City of Raleigh, Black history is celebrated all year long. This year is filled with several major projects which preserve and present Raleigh’s rich African American history and the HRM Program’s new facility, the John P. “Top” Greene Community Center is at heart of the effort.
Through bond-funded initiatives and public art projects, the City of Raleigh is providing over $12 million dollars to fuel the rebirth of the Top Greene Center. The size of the City’s investment makes it a national leader in financial investments in African American cultural projects. This year, plans will be finalized for an expansion of the community meeting space at the center, as well as new space for more exhibits, collections storage, and an oral history recording studio. Another project in development is the South Park Heritage Trail, which uses the center at Top Greene as a trailhead and carries visitors on a two-mile loop that explores the city’s colorful Black history. The site will also shine with new pieces of public art by the talented African American artist Dare Coulter. These ambitious projects inspired the community to petition to rename the site as the John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Park and Center. These investments will ensure Raleigh’s Black history will be saved and shared in a state-of-the-art facility for generations to come.
John P. “Top” Greene Community Center
Upcoming Events
First Friday
Friday, January 3
Friday, February 7
Friday, March 7
6-9 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Join us at for First Friday! Featuring a unique theme, including performances, crafts, and educational opportunities. It’s a fantastic way to explore the museum in an upbeat and enjoyable atmosphere!
Emancipation Day Breakfast
Saturday, January 4
9-11 a.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Kick off Emancipation Day celebrations with breakfast and a lecture. Enjoy a catered breakfast while Dr. Shirley Moody-Turner presents a talk on Anna Julia Cooper, an advocate for women’s rights, education, and civil rights. Tickets on sale soon. For more information, please call (919) 996-2220.
‘Bottom Rail on Top’: Black Civil War Reenactors
Saturday, January 4
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dr. M.T. Pope House Museum
Travel back in time to see United States Colored Troops and allies as they tell stories of real-life Black soldiers and their lives in the camps and the front lines. Event is free. For more information, please call (919) 996-2220.
Emancipation Day Trolley: Oberlin Village Tour
Saturday, January 4
12-1:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.
Dr. M.T. Pope House Museum
Located on the outskirts of Raleigh, Oberlin Village was a vibrant African American community established before the Civil War. Celebrate Emancipation Day by joining local historian Carmen Wimberly Cauthen and Cheryl Williams for a guided tour of Oberlin Village. Tickets on sale soon at reclink.raleighnc.gov. For more information, please call (919) 996-4364.
United Strings of Color
Upcoming Events
Music of Freedom
Saturday, January 4
6-8 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Join us to for our final event for Emancipation Day: Music of Freedom. Enjoy classical music by the United Strings of Color while learning about abolitionists and their contributions to music. Event is free. For more information, please call (919) 996-2220.
Digging Deeper: Stories in Local Archaeology
Saturday, January 11, February 22, and March 29
1 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
As Mordecai investigates its own archaeological footprint, the park will host a series of lectures with local experts sharing about their projects at historic sites, cemeteries, and more.
Family Fun Day
Saturday, January 11
Saturday, February 8
Saturday, March 8
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Join the City of Raleigh Museum for a program which is educational and entertaining for families. This program will run the second Saturday of each month, where you’ll find a fresh theme that allows you to explore the museum in exciting and new ways.
Social Diversity Reading for Children
Wednesday, January 15
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
John P. “Top” Greene Community Center
Inspiring children to discover cultures and geography creatively.
Lunchbox Lectures
Thursday, January 16
Thursday, February 20
Thursday, March 20
12-1 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 captivating lecture every third Thursday of the month. Lectures will run for 30 minutes and topics vary each month.
Free Friday
Friday, January 24
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Take a free tour of Mordecai Historic Park on this special Friday. Tours start every 30 minutes throughout the day and include the Mordecai House, Andrew Johnson’s Birthplace, St. Mark’s Chapel, and the Allen Kitchen.
Museum Morning’s
Friday, February 7
Friday, February 14
Friday, February 21
Friday, February 28
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
John P. “Top” Greene Community Center
Explore Raleigh’s Black history exhibit every Friday in February. Enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts from Dunkin’ Donuts.
Shaking Your Family Tree - 101 Beginners
Friday, February 8
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
John P. “Top” Greene Community Center
Introductory course designed to teach students the fundamentals of tracing their family history.
Black History Trolley Tour
Saturday, February 8
Sunday, March 2
1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Historic Raleigh Trolley
Celebrate Black History Month on this special trolley tour highlighting Raleigh’s African American heritage! This edition of the popular tour will focus on Oberlin Village and its generations of history and will include a visit to the Historic Turner House and Oberlin Cemetery.
Pals and Gals
Thursday, February 13
7-9 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
What could be better than enjoying time with friends while crafting your own cards? We’ll provide all the supplies you need for a memorable evening that you’ll cherish! Tickets on sale soon, for more information call (919) 996-2220.
Shaking Your Family Tree - 201 Intermediate
Friday, February 15
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
John P. “Top” Greene Community Center
This class will enhance participant’s genealogical research skills, focusing on advanced techniques and effective use of technology.
Black History Month Local Artist Showcase
Saturday, February 15
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
View art from local Black artists and learn about how Black History informs their medium. Event is free, for more information please call (919) 996-2220.
Upcoming Events
Senior Resource Fair
Thursday, February 20
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
John P. “Top” Greene Community Center
Free senior event hosted by Alignment Health featuring healthcare professionals, community resources and services for older adults.
‘Joy Cometh in the Morning’ African American Symposium
Saturday, February 22
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
City of Raleigh Museum
Celebrate Black History Month with an event focusing on the history of African American freedom. Listen to speakers and musical performances about education, business ownership, and civic engagement. Event is free, for more information please call (919) 996-2220.
Sewing Vintage
Saturday, February 22
Saturday, March 15th
12-2 p.m.
John P. “Top” Greene Community Center
Learn traditional sewing in an introductory course inspired by Raleigh’s Otey sisters, combining heritage preservation with modern techniques.
Trolley season opens!
Saturday, March 1
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Historic Raleigh Trolley is back! Join us Saturdays from March through December for a narrated, hour-long tour of downtown Raleigh.
Away with the Fairies
Saturday, March 15
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Enter a market full of fairies, dragons, and more at this family event. Wear your best fantasy attire to enjoy free crafts and activities, find the perfect handmade treasures, and learn about local children’s programs - all while enjoying great food and fun.
Raleigh Roasts
Saturday, March 15
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Moore Square
Join the Friends of the COR Museum at Moore Square for a morning of coffee, live music and fun! This annual event celebrates Raleigh’s vibrant cafe culture and Raleigh’s coffee roasters. Tickets on sale soon, for more information call 919-996-2220.
Matriarchs of Mordecai
Saturday, March 29
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mordecai Historic Park
Join us as we explore the lives of the women who lived and worked at Mordecai. Activities will include a special park tour centered on women’s stories, hands-on crafts, and more!
Women’s History Trolley Tour
Saturday, March 29
1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Historic Raleigh Trolley
Hop on the Historic Raleigh Trolley for a special tour celebrating the influential women who shaped Raleigh’s history. Explore their stories throughout Raleigh, from the women who broke barriers in North Carolina politics to those who fought for equality during the Civil Rights Movement.
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
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 SITE DIRECTOR
David Gill
David.Gill@RaleighNC.gov
Tucker House 418 N Person Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
MOORE SQUARE ASSISTANT
SITE DIRECTOR
Mykey WIlliams
Mykey.Williams@RaleighNC.gov
CITY OF RALEIGH MUSEUM DIRECTOR
Abby Kellerman
Abigail.Kellerman@RaleighNC.Gov
CITY OF RALEIGH MUSEUM
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Beck Silber
Beck.Silber@RaleighNC.gov
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
HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER
Mandy Hunter-Kelly
Amanda.Hunter-Kelly@RaleighNC.gov
JOHN P. “TOP” GREENE AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL PARK
SITE DIRECTOR
VACANT
DR. M.T. POPE HOUSE MUSEUM
SITE DIRECTOR
Hazel Boomer
Hazel.Boomer@RaleighNC.gov