A Bold Vision for the North Carolina Museum of History
Since its founding in 1902, the North Carolina Museum of History has preserved and presented the rich, diverse history of North Carolina. Now, we are embarking on a bold transformation to shape the museum for the next generation. Through the Transformation Campaign, we will expand and renovate our spaces, elevate the visitor experience, enrich educational programming, and better reflect the stories of all North Carolinians.
Transformation Campaign at a Glance
A bold $50 million campaign to match the State of North Carolina’s $180 million investment in the museum’s exterior renovation and expansion. Construction will take place in phases, with the first phase of the museum set to reopen in Fall 2028. We are currently in the Quiet Phase of the campaign, focusing on securing leadership-level gifts to build early momentum. A statewide committee is leading the charge.
What We're Building
New Exhibitions: Including the signature Becoming North Carolina exhibit, a Community Gallery exhibit, and our first-ever exhibit intentionally designed for children—the Dr. David R. Hayworth Children’s Discovery Gallery.
Welcoming Lobby: Featuring a new entry on Jones Street to help with visitor traffic flow, dramatic overhead display of three Wright Brothers fliers, improved visitor amenities, and a new restaurant.
Community and Event Spaces: Dynamic, flexible spaces designed to host everything from vibrant cultural festivals and hands-on educational programming to meaningful public gatherings and private celebrations.
Why Now?
Our Demand is Growing.
Our museum attracts more than 450,000 visitors annually, including more than
Our Footprint is Expanding.
Gallery space is increasing by more than 25% and we're adding 40,000 square feet
Our Collection is Unmatched.
We steward the largest collection of North Carolina artifacts with over 150,000
Our Educational Reach is Broad.
Our outreach and education resources serve nearly 300,000 students and
Campaign Leadership
Julia Jones Daniels | Raleigh, NC
Julia has long been a champion for North Carolina’s cultural institutions. Her leadership and generosity have made a lasting impact on the arts, education, and historic preservation statewide.
Kay Phillips | High Point, NC
Kay is a dedicated philanthropist whose work supports a wide range of community and cultural efforts across North Carolina. She remains an influential advocate for preserving our state’s shared legacy.
Carole and Brad Wilson | Raleigh, NC
Carole, a retired special education teacher, and Brad, former president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, have helped lead transformational philanthropic efforts across the state—from healthcare to education to history. Together, their work has strengthened North Carolina’s institutions and communities.
Smedes York | Raleigh, NC
Smedes York, Chairman of McDonald York Building Company and York Properties, has shaped Raleigh’s growth through both business and public service. A former mayor and lifelong civic leader, he has devoted decades to advancing the cultural and educational life of our state.
Alongside our campaign chairs, the Transformation Campaign is also being supported by a committee of leaders who are bringing their expertise, networks, and passion for history to this statewide fundraising effort.
Vic Bell | Raleigh
Chris Cecil | Charlotte
Frank Daniels III | Clarksville, TN
Margaret Kluttz | Salisbury
Orage Quarles | Raleigh
Trent Ragland | Raleigh
Joy Sloan | Raleigh
McKinley Wooten | Raleigh