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School Group Made History: First to Tour Permanent Exhibit

On Friday, Nov. 4, fourth-grade students in Ms. Jennifer Baker’s class at Bonlee Elementary School in Chatham County made history. They were the first school group to tour the permanent exhibitionThe Story of North Carolina, which opened to the public on Nov. 5 at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. Four of Ms. Baker’s students helped cut the ribbon to officially open this major exhibit that will be visited by generations of school groups and museum patrons. After the ribbon was cut, the fourth graders took off in a flash to explore the exhibit.  

Fourth-grade students in Ms. Jennifer Baker’s class at Bonlee Elementary School in Chatham County made history on Nov. 4. They were the first school group to tour the permanent exhibition The Story of North Carolina, which opened Nov. 5 at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. Pictured with the students (back row) are Linda A. Carlisle, Secretary, N.C. Department of Cultural Resources; George Lennon, Chairman, Museum of History Associates Board of Directors; Ms. Baker, teacher, Bonlee Elementary School; and Ken Howard, Director, N.C. Museum of History.

The Story of North Carolina is the largest exhibit that the N.C. Museum of History has ever produced. This fascinating exhibit highlights more than 14,000 years of North Carolina’s history, from the state’s earliest inhabitants through the 20th century.

The Story of North Carolina features hundreds of captivating artifacts, multimedia presentations, dioramas, and hands-on interactive components. Additionally, two historic houses and several re-created environments convey places where North Carolinians have lived and worked. 

Part One of The Story of North Carolina debuted in April, and the final part opened on Nov. 5. This is the only permanent exhibit in North Carolina chronicling the history of the entire state.

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About the N.C. Museum of History
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.

About the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation’s first state-supported symphony orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council, and the State Archives. Cultural Resources champions North Carolina’s creative industry, which employs nearly 300,000 North Carolinians and contributes more than $41 billion to the state’s economy. To learn more, visit www.ncculture.com