North Carolina Museum of History

06/02/2026

Today’s showcases a jumpsuit worn by racecar driver Ned Jarrett during his Southern 500 win in 1965. Born in 1932 in Newton, Jarrett was a top NASCAR driver in the 1950s and 60s. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion retired early at 34 but continued a career with NASCAR, becoming a popular broadcaster. He even called his son Dale’s victory in the Daytona 500 against the legendary Dale Earnhardt in 1993. He has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (1990) and the NASCAR Hall of Fame (2011).

06/01/2026

Do you know how began? Do you know why the Warehouse District became central to Raleigh’s LGBTQIA+ community? Today, Raleighites likely walk past some of these important places with no idea of the significant role they played. Historian Heather Leah explores the sites, struggles, and triumphs that built the foundation of Raleigh’s LGBTQIA+ community in this History at High Noon presentation: https://bit.ly/3SSxcKV.

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

As we wrap up the first installment of MOH’s Plott Hound Literary Circle, we hope you’ll join us for a special virtual book talk on June 11. Award-winning author Dolen Perkins-Valdez will be discussing her critically acclaimed novel Happy Land.

Now it’s your turn! What questions do you have for Perkins-Valdez about her book Happy Land?

-Was there any part of the plot of Happy Land that inspired you?

-Were there any parts of the book that confused you or that you would like to get clarity on?

Questions will be asked on a first come, first served basis as program time allows!

Check out our PHLC page for discussion questions, event info, crafts, and more! https://bit.ly/4qU0zLa

05/28/2026

On this day in North Carolina history, a series of cross burnings occurred across Piedmont and Coastal Plains of the state. With the rising Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, the Ku Klux Klan wanted to show the South still belonged to their ideals. At the time, North Carolina had the largest Klan presence in the United States, with more than 6,000 members and many feared no legal or social reprieval. Eventually the Klan would fall in North Carolina, but it would take public and not so public efforts. You can learn more here: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2016/05/28/cross-burnings-ku-klux-klan

Image: Klansmen in robes with burning cross. Early January 1958 in East Lumberton and south of St. Pauls, NC (Robeson County). From General Negative Collection, State Archives of North Carolina. Digitized on the State Archives of North Carolina Flickr account, uploaded 27 November 2012.

05/26/2026

Private First-Class Paul E. Brauer of Ridgeway, Warren County, took this ditty bag—used to carry small tools and toiletries—with him to France in May 1918. A member of the 81st (Wildcat) National Amy Division, he served at the front lines until the Armistice. This homemade bag features a red cross appliqued to a green-and-white classical print on cotton. Brauer’s initials are inked onto the cross.

05/25/2026

This we remember and honor fallen service members. This photo shows Dr. F.D. Bluford, president of NC A&T in Greensboro, pinning the Purple Heart on Lieutenant Sam Bruce's wife, Grace. Bruce, one of the first volunteers for the Tuskegee Airmen flight school, was killed in action January 27, 1944.

05/22/2026

We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.

05/22/2026

A joint statement on behalf of the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR.

05/21/2026

North Carolina has an official state toast? Show off your Tar Heel spirit by reciting “The Old North State: A Toast” at your next dinner party!

"Here's to the land of the long leaf pine,
The summer land where the sun doth shine,
Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great,
Here's to "down home" the Old North State!"