north carolina museum of history

I've visited this beautiful museum many times. We went today, and saw a wonderful exhibit on the history of NC that should have been in the Smithsonian. It is a small museum, but filled with wonderful things. They have excellent special exhibits throughout the year. A must see in downtown Raleigh!

this was a very good learning experience for the kids and myself being we had moved from NY....we got to learn a lot of the history of our new state!!! The museum is free, who can beat that!!! Good location, easy to find....fun trip!

So sorry to hear that your visit to the museum wasn't everything you hoped it would be. What could we do better to improve your experience?

this museum covers the history of North Carolina from Native American tribes to civil rights and some. Not only is this a huge, interesting and hands on museum it's also...free. THE MUSEUM IS FREE! How awesome is that?! It's located near the Capitol which was a beautiful area and parking was no problem. Lastly they had a nice gift shop.

I went here with my 8 year old. It was a blast. The staff was very friendly and the exhibits were done well.

As a Raleigh native I have visited this facility several times. It is always much more fun when you take the children/grandchildren.My thing about these museums is after a while they all seem to be about the same. As I stated though: The beauty of taking in these places, is to take the children with you. It also helps if the children are at least school age. Otherwise most of the things are over their heads.

Loved this museum. There is so much to see. Lots of interesting information here. We spent about two hours looking and reading everything. There is also a very cute replica of a pharmacy on the third floor, we loved that. If you are interested in NC history this is the place to visit. Loved it. Definitely worth a visit!

I really enjoyed the visit. It's an interactive museum that from the natives to the Vietnam and Afghanistan war tells us more about the country. I believe this could be a great experience for kids too because of the video and th reconstruction of a farmhouse, the electric toy train and the explication of the colonies. Intresting the aisle dedicated to the drugstore in the past and the sport exhibition of the North Carolina. Recommended. Plus, it's free of charge.

We had a great time here! Lots to see, all is very interesting, and it's FREE! If you are interested in NC history this is the place to be!

Toured the facility on a whim on Sunday while we were on the road. This museum has 3 levels dedicated to North Carolina and its people for the past 14,000 years. Being a Civil War buff, I was very impressed with the Confederate banners and weaponry. The WWI and WWII sections are likewise well-done. On-hand docents are actual veterans, and are walking-talking, living history. Excellent treatment of the post-war and Reconstruction eras as well. a small but worthwhile wing is the NC sports hall of fame. Speaking of fame, the vehicles include #3 Dales NASCAR race car, Richard Petty's #43 car, and a replica of the Wright brothers gliders that pre-dated their powered Flyer. A fine up-to-date facility that was a pleasure to visit.

Great exhibition of NC film and TV production history. Museum is free but this exhibit had a charge associated with it. Well worth the fee. Spent 1 1/2 hours just in film exhibit. Rest of museum was free but our time was limited. Definitely worth going again.

Wow! So glad you you decided to visit the museum and that you enjoyed your visit. Thank you for your review and we hope you visit again.

Having recently visited the South Carolina State Museum, this one was somewhat of a let-down. It is, however, free, except for the "Starring North Carolina" exhibit, which is rather good in and of itself. There is a large section devoted to sports in the state, especially golf, college football and car racing. The best part of the free exhibits is "The Story of North Carolina," which traces life in the state from earliest man to recent years. One would think, however, that as home of man's first heavier-than-air flight there would be some emphasis on aviation, but it was nearly nonexistent. There is a full-scale reproduction of the Wright Flyer, but that was it. (Two or three other flight vehicles are in other parts of the museum). Starring North Carolina dwells extensively on the entertainment industry with many different displays and even film clips of movies and television productions made in the state. Sadly, however, much of the industry is beginning to move out or not arrive at all because the general assembly last year voted to remove the 25 percent tax credit for films and replace it with a much lower cash incentive. How this move will impact the exhibit remains to be seen.Not knowing the downtown area, parking was somewhat difficult to find, even on a Saturday. Potential visitors should study the museum's web site for insight before going.

Thank you for your review and we are so glad you enjoyed your visit! Please come back again!

We are so sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your visit to the museum. While the museum does feature a photography exhibit on historic Stagville as well as the Sports Hall of Fame we also have an entire 20,000 square foot gallery on the first floor devoted to the history of NC that consists primarily of artifacts. We also have a military gallery and an exhibit on NC film that feature artifacts prominently. We hope you will consider another visit to the museum and check out these exhibits.