The State Capitol is hosting a birthday party June 13 that's been 175 years in the making! Free family friendly activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will include local musicians, military re-enactors, historic demonstrations, hands-on children's activities and more fun activities inside the Capitol and on Capitol Square. Of course there will be birthday cake. Please call (919) 733-4994 for more information.
"This celebration was inspired by the original dedication in 1840 but with a modern sense, so it promises to be a can't-miss event!" said Terra Schramm, state capitol administrator. "The daytime festivities and evening concert will launch a year of special programs and exhibits at the State Capitol that aim to capture public interest and inspire a new generation to participate in the history that continues to be made here every day."
A formal cornerstone rededication at noon featuring the Grand Lodge of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of North Carolina, and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge along with other dignitaries will highlight the day.
The 175th anniversary exhibit, "Capitol Connections: 175 Years of People, Places, and Politics," will officially open and Curator Kara Deadmon will give an exhibit lecture at 2:30 p.m., joined by Paul Hardin Kapp, co-author of "The Architecture of William Nichols: Building the Antebellum South in North Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi."
On the east lawn, the State Capitol Foundation will host a "Barbecue & Bluegrass Birthday Bash" fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. Music by Ash Breeze and Bethesda Bluegrass Band, plates from Carolina Barbecue and beverages from Mystery Brewing will create a delightful evening. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children and $20 for State Capitol Foundation members. For tickets call (919) 733-4994 or visit http://ncstatecapitol.org/capitol175. Signature sponsors for the day and evening events include Carolina Barbecue of Garner, Mystery Brewing of Hillsborough and Cirque de Vol of Raleigh.
The State Capitol's mission is to preserve and interpret the history, architecture and functions of the 1840 building and Union Square. It is within the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. The State Capitol is at One Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601. Also, visit www.nchistoricsites.org/capitol for more information.