History of the Harvest is presented in six sections with distinct planting beds. Large informational signs guide visitors as they walk along Bicentennial Plaza.
Exhibit Intro: Welcome video by NC Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler: http://youtu.be/6HHIzZB-NN0
Nature’s Garden and Gardens of Life and Health: The first two sections focus on medicinal and culinary plants that were indigenous to the state or introduced by settlers. This section highlights plants such as sassafras, rivercane, rosemary, and rue.
Early Agriculture: This section centers on the “three sisters” companion planting arrangement traditionally used by American Indians in North Carolina. Corn, beans, and squash, the “three sisters,” were grown together because the plants benefit each other.
Changing the Landscape and North Carolina as an Agricultural State: Cash crops, such as tobacco and cotton which were important to the Tar Heel State, are featured in these beds, as well as other crops grown by today’s North Carolina farmers, such as our state vegetable, the sweet potato. North Carolina currently leads the nation in sweet potato production.
More Information:
Agriculture in North Carolina During the Great Depression
Farm and Factory Struggles in the 1920s
Boll Weevils
What is a Hogshead?
Your Food Has Ancestors Too!
NC Sweet Potato Commission
The State Fair
From Field to Lab: Agriculture is a billion-dollar industry in the state and North Carolina continues to be a leader in the complex web of agribusinesses competing on a world market and at the forefront of biotechnology research and development.
Dr. Chilton talks about spending part of her childhood growing up in North Carolina, her work producing the first transgenic (genetically engineered) plants, and her role in creating a world-class research facility at Research Triangle Park. Approximate run time: 36 minutes.
Symbols of the State: From dogwood trees to blueberries, strawberries, and muscadine grapes, North Carolina’s signature plants are highlighted in this area.
