North Carolina Museum of History

North Carolina Museum of History Explore North Carolina’s past and learn about its people. Other exhibits highlight the state’s military history, sports heroes, decorative arts and more.
(1813)

An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum fosters a passion for North Carolina history, with more than 14,000 years to learn about and explore, from the state’s earliest inhabitants through the 20th century. The major exhibition The Story of North Carolina features fascinating artifacts, multimedia presentations, and an interactive format for all ages. Monthly programs include childr

en’s programs, craft demonstrations and family events. The Museum Shop, featuring North Carolina crafts, is open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free. Free parking is available on weekends in the Jones/Edenton Street lot. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 919-814-7000 or go to ncmuseumofhistory.org. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, www.ncculture.com.

08/27/2026

This is a regimental flag used by the 3rd North Carolina Volunteer Regiment, composed of all Black soldiers and officers during the Spanish-American War. It was recently conserved for use in future exhibitions and framed behind glass. The reflection from the glass made it challenging for museum staff to photograph.

Photographer Bryan Gaines and visual assets curator Kent Thompson added black material around the room to mask reflections of lights, people, and equipment into the glass. They then used studio lights, one on each side of the room, to evenly light the flag on all sides. The result is a beautiful photograph of this important artifact in our collection.

Come back tomorrow to learn more about the regiment that flew the flag.

It's officially pumpkin season! Support the museum and shop local at the North Carolina Museum of History Shop, open at ...
08/27/2026

It's officially pumpkin season! Support the museum and shop local at the North Carolina Museum of History Shop, open at 108 Glenwood Ave. in Downtown Raleigh.

Oh to be a dog playing on the beach. This picture was taken in Nags Head in 1950. Happy ! Tell your dog we say hi!
08/26/2026

Oh to be a dog playing on the beach. This picture was taken in Nags Head in 1950. Happy ! Tell your dog we say hi!

Legendary singer Dolly Parton died today at the age of 80. Dolly was a songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthro...
08/25/2026

Legendary singer Dolly Parton died today at the age of 80. Dolly was a songwriter, actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, known for songs like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” and movies like “Steel Magnolias.” She gave back to her community through The Dollywood Foundation and Dolly’s Imagination Library.

Dolly’s dresses and instruments were featured in our 2022 exhibit The Power of Women in Country Music, a traveling exhibit produced by the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles.

Dolly's accolades were simply too great to fit in one post. Comment with your favorite memory of her work, then click the link in the first comment to read more about the exhibit.

Your friends at hope you are staying cool this summer, so we present you a circa 1910 dress and jacket made of breatha...
08/25/2026

Your friends at hope you are staying cool this summer, so we present you a circa 1910 dress and jacket made of breathable linen. This ensemble features an ecru long-sleeved dress with high collar (held in place by rigid collar stays) and a flared skirt. Fabric-covered buttons decorate the sleeveless jacket, and black satin ribbon embellishes the jacket’s collar.

08/24/2026

This year’s Educators’ Night Out invites North Carolina teachers, specialists, and school staff to dive in to It’s Revolutionary!

Join us on September 15, 2026, at Union Hall for a free event designed just for educators. You’ll enjoy complimentary food and drinks, explore hands-on resources, and meet representatives from organizations across the NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources who are ready to support your work in and beyond the classroom.

Whether you’re gearing up for a new school year or looking for a fun night with fellow educators, we can’t wait to welcome you for a revolutionary night out!

Register today at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/educators-night-out-tickets-1996642625842

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is hiring an Associate Educator! This person will assist the Curator of ...
08/20/2026

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is hiring an Associate Educator! This person will assist the Curator of Education and Outreach with museum programming, both on and offsite. The job posting will close at 11:59 on September 2.

Click here to read the full job description and to apply: https://bit.ly/4xdnzc9

As construction continues on our museum building, we're excited to share new renderings that offer a look at the future ...
08/20/2026

As construction continues on our museum building, we're excited to share new renderings that offer a look at the future visitor experience. The museum's relocated entrance will now face Jones St.

A black box theater will provide an adaptable setting for lectures, films, performances and educational programs.

A demonstration kitchen will host cooking demonstrations, educational programs and interactive experiences.

Address

5 E Edenton Street
Raleigh, NC
27601

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Telephone

+19198147000

Website

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