A Home for History: The Journey of the North Carolina Museum of History
The North Carolina Museum of History has transformed from a small collection into a vibrant institution that brings the state’s diverse history to life. What started as a single-room exhibition has grown into a dynamic museum committed to connecting North Carolinians with their history.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, journalist Frederick Augustus Olds traveled across North Carolina, collecting artifacts and stories. His collection was first displayed in 1898 within the State Museum (now the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences) in the old Agriculture Building in Raleigh. In 1902, the Hall of History was officially established, combining Olds’ private collection with historical materials from the State Museum.
As the collection expanded, the Hall of History moved to the State Administration Building in 1914 and later to the Education Building in 1939, solidifying its role as the state’s central history museum. In 1965, it was officially renamed the North Carolina Museum of History.
By the late 1960s, the museum’s growing collection and increasing public interest in history made it clear that a permanent space was needed. The museum moved into the newly constructed Archives and History Building in downtown Raleigh, now the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Building. This facility provided the museum with expanded exhibit space, improved artifact storage, and dedicated areas for research and educational programs.
By the 1980s, the museum had outgrown its space again. In 1988, construction began on a standalone building at 5 E Edenton Street. The museum opened its doors on April 23, 1994, offering expanded exhibition halls, educational programs, and community events.
Today, the museum is undergoing a major renovation that will enhance the visitor experience. This renovation will also expand the museum’s ability to serve the public in new and dynamic ways. While the building is closed, the museum continues to engage the public through programs and digital resources—because history never pauses.