Exhibits 1976-1997

The current Charlotte Museum of History building you visit today held its Grand Opening in the fall of 1999. Previously, a smaller building served as a reception center for the homesite with exhibits programming. That building opened in 1976 as the Mint Museum of History, in cooperation with the City of Charlotte and the Mint Museum, supported by the Hezekiah Alexander Foundation. In 1987 the museum was renamed the Charlotte Museum of History.

Below is a list of exhibits that were displayed in the previous museum building.

 

1990s - 1980s - 1970s


1990s

A Moment in Time

September 1997-November 1997

    Photographs and photography

Images of Our Past

May 1996-July 1996

    In collaboration with the Charlotte Art League this exhibit was a juried exhibition of mixed media works related to

    Charlotte/North Carolina.

Music Boxes

February 1996

    Exhibit of historical music boxes of different varieties

Pretty Playthings

November 1995-May 1996

    A display of historical toys including dolls, crank toys, and pianos.

The Cutting Edge

November 1996-February 1997

    A display of a variety of swords, scabbards, and other bladed weaponry from around the world.

Appalachian Memories

Summer 1995

    Photographs and artifacts relating to rural Appalachia.

Gifts of Heritage

July 1994-November 1994

    A variety of Charlotte related artifacts.

Born of the Earth

1992

Pages in Time

1992-1993

Balance of Power: Charlotte Afro-Americans in Politics and Government

March 1, 1991-March 31, 1991

    Organized by the Charlotte Crown Jewels, the exhibit highlighted elected officials, executive government employees,

    appointees to boards and commissions, political organizations, and the media, as well as events that have affected the

    political life of Afro-Americans. It began with the reconstruction and end in the present day. Content included was

    narratives, photographs, artifacts, rare newspapers, and books.

Dearly Beloved: Wedding Attire 1890-1990

June 1, 1991-July 28, 1991

    In collaboration with the Women’s Auxiliary of the Hezekiah Alexander Foundation, the exhibit displayed 15 wedding

    gowns and accessories worn between 1890 and 1990 as well as several flower girl dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses,

    and groom’s suits. All of the dresses were worn by Charlotte women and were gathered by the Women’s Auxiliary of the

    Hezekiah Alexander Foundation. The exhibit divided the dresses into decades to show the progression of styles. The exhibit

    was kicked off by a candlelight dinner gala.

After the Revolution: Everyday in America 1780-1800

December 10, 1990-January 21, 1990

    The exhibit showed the work, social customs, entertainments, conflicts, choices, and community of ordinary people after

    the end of the war. The focus was on the diversity of the population in the United States and covered both urban and rural

    life. The exhibit also examined social issues that took root during this period including displacement, immigration problems,

    and wage labor disputes.

An Old Fashion Christmas: An Exhibition of Antique Toys From 1890-1940

December 1990

    The exhibit featured a variety of children’s toys from both the United States and abroad (Hungary, Yugoslavia). There was

    a special display of dolls as well as cast-iron toys, a train set, and many others.

 

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1980s

Glass for the Masses: Early American Glass 1780-1870

May 7, 1989-August 27, 1989

    The exhibit focused on the changing methods of production of glassware which accompanied the industrialization of the

    United States. Also, the increasing sophistication of objects was highlighted. In conjunction with exhibit was the program

    Treasures in the Attic: Glass Identification Days which featured Martin Cruver and allowed the public to bring in glassware

    to be identified and evaluated.

Handmade Harvest: Traditional Crafts of Tobacco Farmers

September 3, 1989-December 3, 1989

    Exhibit featured the work of over 40 craftspeople from eight tobacco states. Using over 140 artifacts, the exhibit showed

    the influence of store-bought goods and other aspects of modernization on the purpose of the crafts and the motivation of

    the crafters. This exhibit was accompanied by a series of traditional craft workshops led by local residents.

Pieceworks 2

May 28, 1989-July 2, 1989

    A juried exhibit of over 40 pieces based on the art concepts found in traditional American quilts. Media used included

    textiles, photographs, paper, and baskets. The show was gathered by Georgia Mountain Crafts and the touring exhibition

    was organized by the Southern Arts Federation.

Stout Hearts: Traditional Oak Basket Makers of the South Carolina Upcountry

March 18, 1989-April 30, 1989

    The exhibit featured 24 baskets made by 11 artisans from the South Carolina Piedmont region. The baskets were used for

    a variety of tasks, including picking cotton and trapping fish. The opening coincided with the museum’s “Rites of Spring”     celebration. Organized by the Mckissick Museum at the University of South Carolina. Major funding was provided by the

    National Endowment for the Arts, Folk Arts Program.

Decoys Unlimited: An Exhibit of North Carolina Wooden Duck Decoys

January 31, 1988-April 10, 1988

The exhibit featured more than sixty wooden duck decoys

The Whole World In Their Hands: European Map Makers 1590-1790

April 10, 1988-July 31, 1988 (Title Pages: April 24-July 10, 1988)

    This was a two part exhibit which featured both maps and atlas title pages. The first segment was comprised of 21 maps

    from the museum’s collection, including maps by Ortelius, Mercator, Blaeu, and Homann. The second segment featured

    40 title pages from atlases compiled by many of the same cartographers.

 

What Style Is It?

December 18, 1988-January 22, 1989

    This exhibit defined and identified the 20 most common American architectural styles through photographs, drawings, and

    text. In addition, there were architectural models of prominent Charlotte buildings. The exhibit spanned over 300 years and

    included examples from all over the United States.

Carolina Quilts: Pieces of History

July 12, 1987-September 6, 1987

    An exhibit of North Carolina quilts marking significant moments in United States history. The exhibit was in celebration of

    the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution.

Doorways to Heaven: Gravestone Rubbings

October 6, 1987-November 27, 1987 (Extended to January 3, 1988)

    This exhibit showcased the approximately 30 multi-colored gravestone rubbings by Dr. Ed Clark, an English Professor at

    Winthrop College. The rubbings come from both New England and South Carolina Cemeteries, including several local

    churchyards.

Madame Alexander Through the Years

March 7, 1987-April 26, 1987

    The exhibit featured more than 250 rare dolls made between 1923 and 1970. In conjunction with the exhibit, three lectures

    by noted doll collectors and historians, David Hearn, Dave Varon, and Marsha Hunter took place. Additionally, appraisers

    were available for consultation.

Reverie In Relief: The Folk Art Carvings of Charles Butler

February 7, 1987-March 1, 1987

    Approximately 25 pieces of Butler’s work were on display to commemorate Black History Month. Most were wooden

    “shadowbox” panels, however there was also a jewelry box, lamp base, busts of JFK and Castro, a rocking chair, and

    Butler’s tool box.

The Well Built Elephant

May-June 1987

    The basis of this exhibit was the color photographs and schematic designs of photographer/architect J.J.C. Andrews, a

    man obsessed with finding odd and interesting architecture. His book, The Well Built Elephant provided much of the

    material for the exhibit of about 45 photographs and drawings.

Depression Glass: Brightening the Gloom

December 20,1986-January 31, 1987

    45 pieces of glass created during the years of the Great Depression. The exhibit was accompanied by a lecture and

    identification day given by Bob Jones

Flags

June 1986-August 1986

    This was a display of flags that have flown over North Carolina. Made in collaboration with Conder Flag Company and

    Robert Parrish

Forms of Santa Claus: Christmas Figures

November 24, 1986-January 4, 1987

    The exhibit featured 12” carved wooden Santa figures in various forms meant to illustrate the way various cultures view

    Santa. The figures were all carved by members of the Charlotte Woodcarvers Club.

North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

May 4, 1986 – June 29, 1986

    This exhibit highlighted the contributions of North Carolinians to great moments in sports. The exhibit spanned nearly

    every sport, from baseball to golf to basketball to football and more. The exhibit presented the Hall of Fame criteria as well

    as eight cases worth of memorabilia and photographs. The exhibit was accompanied by a three-minute audio clip of

    Lindsey Nelson. The exhibit was opened with a reception attended by Charlotte-area inductees who talked about their

    experiences.

In Touch: Printing and Writing for the Blind in the 19th Century

September 28, 1986 – December 13, 1986

    This exhibit traced the development of writing and reading systems in the 19th century for the blind. Key innovations such

    as the founding of the first blind school and the adoption of the Braille alphabet are highlighted. The exhibit also included

    writing instruments, books, papers, and other artifacts. The exhibit was accessible to both blind and sighted visitors.

Sun, Moon, and Star: The Visionary Art of James Harold Jennings

March 9, 1986-April 20, 1986

    The exhibit displayed the works of James Harold Jennings, a North Carolina artist who lived near Winston-Salem. The

    pieces were mostly painted wood carvings that were either stationary or used the wind to move various parts of them.

The Art of the Cartographer: Selections from the Cramer Antique Map Collection

1986

    The exhibit featured 19 maps created between 1540 and 1828 and covering all parts of the globe

The Great Forest: An Appalachian Story

July 13, 1986-September 13, 1986

    An exhibit exploring four distinct periods in the history of the Appalachian: The Pre-European Forest, the Settlement

    Period, the Industrial Period, and the Contemporary Forest.

Tigers on Parade: A Tribute to Second Ward High School

February 2, 1986-February 23, 1986

    The exhibit illustrated the instrumental role that Second Ward High School played in Charlotte and North Carolina History

    through photographs, scrapbooks, yearbooks, banners, and other memorabilia. The school was the first public high school

    for Black students in Charlotte and helped produce many notable leaders both in North Carolina and beyond. This exhibit

    was in conjunction with Black History Month.

Glad Rags: Finery of the Flapper Era

1985

    12 evening and party costumes from the 1920s were on display that captured the frivolous and freewheeling attitude of the

    era.

Kites: A Comprehensive History

March 3, 1985-June 2, 1985

    The exhibit included a diverse group of 125 kites as well as accompanying panels written by various authorities. Kite

    categories included Oriental kites, fighting kites and others of all shapes and sizes.

Overseas Posters: 1940-1946

June 9, 1985-August 11, 1985

    Loaned to the Museum by Blair-Murrah Exhibitions

Perfect In Her Place: Women At Work In Industrial America.

August 18, 1985-November 3, 1985

    This exhibit traced the nature and contributions of the female work force from the 19th century through World War One.

    The exhibit consisted of approximately 30 panels displaying photographs, text, and quotations from contemporary

    publications on the subject. These panels were supplemented with objects from the Museum’s collection.

Southern Folk Art

April 5, 1986-May 25, 1986

    A traveling exhibit of over 100 works produced between 1743 and 1915 in painting, sculpture, textiles, furniture, and

    pottery. The exhibit was accompanied by a book of the same title, a lecture, and a festival

Weave and Spin: Textile Mills and Mill Life in the Charlotte Area 1900-1950

November 16, 1985-January 20, 1986

    This exhibit illustrated the important role of mills and mill life in the Piedmont of North Carolina, but also showed the

    connection between the mills and the rise of country music in the state. More specifically, emphasis was placed on the rise

    of bluegrass music as a means of entertainment for the mill workers and their families. The exhibit was based around

    photographs, records, record jackets, and other artifacts including a working loom.

World War Two: A Remembrance

June 14, 1985-August 11, 1985

    This exhibit included World War II photographs and memorabilia including uniforms and insignias.

A Pastiche of Victorian Fashion (1840-1900)

July 8, 1984-August 26, 1984

    An exhibit of 12 costumes and accessories from the Victorian era worn by middle and upper class women. The dresses

    were from the museum’s own collection and traced the evolution from the hoop skirt to the wasp waist.

God, Man, and the Devil: Religion in Kentucky Folk Art

June 3, 1984- July 1, 1984

    The exhibit included paintings, sculptures, and various mixed-media works by some of Kentucky’s best-known folk

    artists, including Edgar Tolson, Ernest Patton, and Carl McKenzie. The pieces were selected to represent the religious lives

    of these artists, and often evoked images of Biblical scenes. In conjunction with the exhibit, an introductory lecture on

    American folk art was offered. A catalogue was produced which included an essay by art historian Dr. James Smith

    Pierce.

Southeastern Potteries

September 8, 1984-November 25, 1984

    This exhibit displayed 110 pieces of pottery from 21 different potteries throughout the Southeast. The works were both

    contemporary and traditional and were meant to trace the evolution of new styles as well as traditional forms going back

    200 years. The clay works were supplemented by photographs documenting the process of creating pottery from digging

    the clay to completion. In conjunction with the exhibit Nancy Sweezy, the SITES curator, gave a talk about her

    experiences living and working in Jugtown for 15 years and the creation of the exhibit and book Raised in the Clay.

The Seasonal Trade: Holiday Gift and Greeting Cards

April 28, 1984-May 27, 1984

    An exhibition of 100 cards that trace the evolution and popularization of the Victorian gift card into modern greeting cards.

    Also displayed are prize-winning cards of the Victorian era as well as advertisements for cards. A special section is devoted

    to mechanical Rosh Hashanah cards imported from Germany.

Woven and Stitched (Part of “The More Things Change…” exhibit series)

September 9, 1984-November 25, 1984

    Part of an exhibit series highlighting object revolution. The focus of this particular piece was textiles, including quilts and

    clothing.

Picture This! American View on Staffordshire

April 10, 1983-June 19, 1983

    Over fifty examples of British earthenware and porcelain plates, cups, and bowls that were made for the American public

    in the early 19th century were on display. This type of ware have blue and black under glazes depicting famous American

    scenes or people and form a look at the United States through the eyes of the English artists.

 

America’s Space Truck: The Space Shuttle

August 21, 1983-November 6, 1983

    13 graphic panels describing the purpose of the craft as well as 4 scale models of space shuttles and satellites.

 

Places and Spaces: Afro-American Architects and Architecture

January 9, 1983-Febrary 6, 1983

    Approximately 100 photographs reflecting the contributions, aspirations, esthetic values, and cultural heritage of Afro-

    Americas through architecture. Photographs of local landmarks of black architecture were included as well.

Splits and Splints

June 25, 1983-August 14, 1983

    The exhibit included 55 baskets from eastern North America which show a variety of forms and construction techniques

    such as twining, twill, and coiling. It was accompanied by a two day basketry workshop conducted by Paul Reavis, a

    showing of the film Basketmaking in Colonial Virginia, and an informal talk about collecting baskets by Lamar Brigham.

 

The Omar Khayyam Pottery: The Ceramic Art of O. L. Bachelder

November 20, 1983-April 15, 1984

    The exhibit featured over 50 ceramic pieces from the museum’s collection made by Bachelder. The Museum joined with

    the Ceramic Circle of Charlotte to publish a catalogue for the exhibit.

The Workers’ World: The Industrial Village and the Company Town

May 1, 1983-June 12, 1983

    This exhibit focused on the community lives of men and women living and working in industrial towns along the Atlantic

    Seaboard from the early 19th -early 20th centuries. The exhibit emphasized the interconnectedness of the mill to the town,

    how it infiltrated every aspect of the community’s lives by displaying photographs, documents, and artifacts. 

Whirligigs, Windmills, and Wind Toys

February 6, 1983-April 17, 1983

    This was a traveling exhibit developed by the museum. It contained between 35 and 50 different whirligigs and other wind-

    powered objects. Included in the exhibit were a calendar, poster, and educational materials.

 

Antique Cameras: The Klein Collection

August 8, 1982-October 24, 1982

    Thirty antique cameras and early photographic equipment highlight the early and continued interest in capturing moments

    on film. The exhibit was accompanied by a lecture titled “Photography from the Historic Perspective” by Martha Strawn.

 

Ben Owen, Master Potter

March 14, 1982- August 8, 1982

    The exhibit showed over 75 pottery pieces from Ben Owen’s Plank Road Pottery Firm. A film “Potters of the Piedmont”

    was shown in conjunction with the exhibit.

 

Classic Cars: Wooden Replicas from the Workshop of John S. Brewster

September 5, 1982-November 28, 1982

    Exhibit of over thirty designs of classic U.S. and European vintage automobiles.

Images of Old Age in America: 1790 to the Present

July 17, 1982-October 3, 1982

    25 panels featuring photographs, graphics, selected quotations and original text dramatizing the contrast between the

    changing popular images of the aging and the realities of existence for the elderly during the period covered by the exhibit.

Long Rifles and Half Stocks: The Guns of North Carolina

January 17, 1982-March 14, 1982

    Guns borrowed from local collectors including rifles from Jamestown workshops, LMB of Rowan Country, Towry of

    Rutherfordton, and Vogler of Salem as well as powder horns, flints, and cartridge cases.

North Carolina Furniture: A Sampler

April 18, 1982-July 11, 1982

    Twenty examples of furniture made in North Carolina between the 18th century and the 1980s. Most of the pieces were

    donated from private collections, museums, and antique dealers.

Paper Dolls: Children’s Clothing from the Mint’s Collection

October 10, 1982-December 23, 1982

    The exhibit featured clothing worn by children and teenagers from the 1840’s through the 1920’s. The exhibit was

    arranged in such a way that it appeared as though the clothes were cut-outs for life-size paper dolls. A teaching unit about

    the changes in children’s clothing was developed in conjunction with this exhibit and included slides and information on

    clothes from the 1780’s to the 1980’s.

 

Radios of the Roaring Twenties

April 4, 1982-June 27, 1982

    The exhibit featured over twenty receivers and more than fifteen model speakers, headphones, and loop antennas. Two

    sections highlighted Charlotte’s involvement in early radio.

The Afro-American Tradition in the Decorative Arts

January 10, 1982-March 28, 1982

    Photographic exhibition supplemented with African and Afro-American artifacts exploring the survival of African elements

    and traditions and their continuing influences in Afro-American crafts. Art forms examined include baskets, pottery, and

    quilts that blend African, European, and American traditions to create a unique product that reflected the Afro-American

    story.

 

Visions in Stone: William Edmondson

July 19, 1982- September 30, 1982

    26 limestone sculptures by William Edmondson

Wild Vine Crafts

February 6, 1982-March 28, 1982

    Exhibition of hand-woven baskets and furniture by Stella Davis of Gilbert, S. C. The works were woven from wisteria,

    honeysuckle, and grapevine in many sizes and forms. This exhibition was the first in a series meant to showcase unique

    handmade items at the museum.

American Indian Art: Discover the Colorful Art Style of Carl Woodring

March 1981

Bennington and Related Wares

October 18, 1981-February 21, 1982 (extended until mid-March 1982)

    Exhibit displayed the pottery wares made by Christopher Webber Fenton in Bennington, Vermont.

 

Blacks in the Westward Movement

March 1, 1981-March 29, 1981

    The exhibit showed how black explorers, leaders of cities, adventurers, teachers, civil rights leaders, businessmen, and

    lawmen worked against the odds and discrimination to contribute to westward expansion. The emphasis of the exhibit is

    on the fifty years following the Civil War.

Charlotte’s New South Neighborhoods: 1875-1925

May 10, 1981- November 30, 1981

    Highlights the development and growth of five Charlotte neighborhoods (Dilworth, Elizabeth, Biddleville, Myers Park, and

    Fourth Ward). Specifically, the exhibit shows the influence of the “New South” mentality on the growth and development

    through historical photographs and artifacts.

Decorative Arts of the South 1650-1820

April 12, 1981-July 19, 1981

Flat-faced Folks

October 4, 1981-November 29, 1981

    65 hand-carved wooden figures as well as other carved models by James Bright Early were on display. All the objects

    were loaned to the museum.

The Native American in North Carolina

August 17, 1981-November 17, 1981

    The exhibit featured artifacts, pottery, and other items related to the culture of North Carolina Native Americans during the

    Pre-Historic to Pre-Colonial periods. The exhibit was opened with a festival which featured Native American story-tellers,

    dancers, and craft-makers as well as speeches.

Pueblo Potters: Clayworkers of the Southwest

March 15, 1981-August 9, 1981

    The exhibit featured Pueblo pottery as well as baskets, jewelry, Kachina dolls and Navajo rugs. The featured Pueblo tribes

    included the Tewa Pueblos of Santa Clara, the San Juan, San Ildefonso, Acoma, Jemez, Zuni, and Cochiti of New Mexico,

    and the Hopi Pueblo of Arizona. 

Southern Comfort: Quilts from the South

January 8, 1981-February 15, 1981

    The exhibit featured an assortment of historical quilts mostly from the museum’s collection. In addition there was a

    showing of contemporary quilts made by the Charlotte Quilter’s Guild. In conjunction with the exhibit, there were a myriad

    of related events including a lecture/slideshow by the Charlotte Quilters Guild, a lecture by the Curator of Decorative Arts

    from the Birmingham Museum of Art, a quilt identification day, and a quilting demonstration day (both by the Charlotte

    Quilter’s Guild).

Victoria’s World

September 13, 1981-November 9, 1981

    Photographic exhibit of 200 prints of Victorian England and the Empire. Topics include: the Royal Family, the Crystal

    Palace, Eminent Victorians, People and Costumes, The City, Sports and Pastimes, The Empire, The Crimean War, and the

    Boer War. The exhibit featured the photographs of 43 well-known photographers and several anonymous artists.

Woodcarvings by James Cook

July 1981

    Display of 8” white pine woodcarvings by James Cook of Cleveland County. Some of the carvings were available for

    purchase and the proceeds benefitted the museum’s furnishing fund.

Arts and Crafts: 1905-1925

October 26, 1980-February 15, 1981

    The exhibit emphasized the Art Nouveau style through displays of ceramics, glassware, copper objects, and a variety of

    personal effects such as cigarette cases.

Dolls, Dolls, Dolls

April 5, 1980- May 25, 1980

    The exhibit illustrated the varying materials and construction methods used in doll making during the last two centuries.

    The exhibit was organized in conjunction with the Biennial Miniature and Dollhouse Show and Sale sponsored by the

    Hezekiah Alexander Auxiliary. A special feature of the exhibit was the “Doll Identification Day” during which the public

    could bring in dolls to be identified by club members free of charge.

History Reflected Through Buttons

March-April 1980

    The exhibit showed how buttons can be a key to understanding the social history of the period they were used. A free

    lecture was offered in conjunction with this exhibit discussing what can be learned from buttons. Collectors were

    encouraged to attend and bring their collections for identification.

The Evolution of Fashion: 1909-1919

August 24, 1980-January 4, 1981

    The exhibit featured 84 women’s outfits from ball gowns to lingerie as well as hats, jewelry, and other period-appropriate

    accessories. Pete Ballard served as curator of the exhibit.

Poetry in Porcelain

May 25, 1980-September 14, 1980

    Display of porcelain sculptures by Edward Marshall Boehm and Dorothy Doughty.

Potters of the Catawba Valley and B. B. Craig: Folk Potter

January 3. 1980- May 18, 1980 (Potters of the Catawba) and through April 20 (B.B. Craig)

    The exhibit was divided into two spaces. The first area featured a broader exhibition with work by more than 30 traditional

    potters from the Catawba River Valley. All of the pieces were alkaline-glazed stoneware. In another room, contemporary

    works by B. B. Craig (the only known potter still working using traditional methods) were shown. The works were

    displayed both in cases as well as within the context they would be used (i.e. a kitchen environment). 

 

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1970s

Edison and the Electrical Age: 100 Years

November 25, 1979-March 16, 1980

    Exhibit commemorated the 100 year anniversary of the discovery of electricity. Artifacts, graphics, and photographs from

    the Smithsonian’s collection were on view. The exhibit was also installed at the Southern Christmas Show by the museum.

America’s Architectural Heritage

August 11, 1979-October 28, 1979

    A photographic exhibition of American architecture spanning from the cliff-dwellers at Mesa Verde through the twentieth

    century. The 234 black and white photographs were the work of G. E. Kidder Smith who wrote the exhibit script as well.

Moravian Tiles: The Mercer Mystique

July 17, 1979-November 4, 1979

    Exhibition of modern reproductions of Moravian-inspired tiles designed by Dr. Henry Mercer. There were more than sixty

    different designs on display. The reproductions were made by the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works. There were also some

    original tiles loaned by the factory as well as tiles from the museum’s collection including an original fireplace surround

    donated by Daisy Bridges.

Coast to Coast Coasters

June 10, 1979-August 19, 1979

    Photographic exhibit traces the history of the roller coaster from Russia to modern day. Amusement parks all over the

    world were featured.

Don’t Go Near the Water: Swimwear Then Till Now

May 1979

    Twenty bathing suits and swimming accessories from the turn of the century through the 1970s, many of which were

    worn by Charlotteans.

Judaica: Jewish Ceremonial Art

April 14, 1979-May 27, 1979

    The exhibit featured thirty objects representative of those used rituals in both the synagogue and the home. They were

    selected to demonstrate the artistic expression present in the religions observance of Jewish holidays, festivals, or

    milestones such as birth and marriage. Most of the objects were contemporary, although some dated from the 18th and

    19th centuries.

Headlines: 100 Years of Hats, 1840-1940

April 1, 1979- July 29, 1979

    The exhibit featured ten representative hats from each decade including a hat from My Fair Lady and Shanghai Express.

    The exhibit was created by Pete Ballard and traveled to four North Carolina museums (Asheville, Lexington, Statesville, and

    Charlotte). There was also a section of the exhibit were visitors could try on a variety of hats.

The Black Presence in the Era of the American Revolution: 1770-1800

January 27, 1979-March 18, 1979 (Mobile Exhibit: Feb. 21-March 4)

    The exhibit aimed to restore to national memory the presence of black men and women and their contributions during the

    Revolutionary War period. The exhibit consisted of 40 panels with both pictures and text highlighting events that stretching

    from the martyrdom of Crispus Attucks in 1770 to the conspiracy of Gabriel Prosser at the turn of the century.

And Now A Message…

January 6, 1979-March 10, 1979

    Exhibit documented the “poster” age in advertising between 1890 and World War I with 32 color photographs and

    artifacts.

The Tools That Built America

1978-1979

    The exhibit showcased over 100 woodworking tools from the collection of Jack O. Boyte of Charlotte. The exhibit was

    created by the museum and was subsequently loaned out to other institutions

American Art Pottery: The Ohio Factories

November 19, 1978-March 1980

    Approximately 100 pieces of American pottery from each of the major Ohio pottery factories including Waller, Roseville,

    Owens, Rookwood, and others. The pieces were all created between 1875 and 1940.

Mountain Dew: A Show and Sale of North Carolina Appalachian Crafts

November 12, 1978-December 23,1978

    A display of traditional mountain crafts ranging from children’s toys to quilts and musical instruments. All items were sold

    for the benefit of the crafters.

The Printed Word Prevails

October 1978- January 21, 1979

    Exhibit of books from the Abbot Vincent Taylor Library at Belmont Abbey College. The exhibit included products of the

    15th century European press to 20th century volumes. The history of printing is also displayed from the earliest forms

    through microfilm and computers.

American Eagle: Symbol for Survival

August 28, 1978-October 29, 1978

    80 color and black and white photographs by Victor M. Banks explore the history of the bald eagle including lifestyle,

    characteristics, and habitat. Also included were artifacts portraying the bird as a symbol including coins, etc.

Smoke Signals: Tobacco Merchandising in America

June 3, 1978-October 1, 1978

    Tobacco products and advertising from 1875 through the present. Artifacts included tobacco paraphernalia and cigar-store

    figurines as well as signs, posters, and other forms of marketing. The exhibit was also meant to demonstrate the

    importance of tobacco in North Carolina.

Summer White

March 19, 1978-August 20, 1978

    Women’s and children’s summer clothes from the turn of the century from the Mint Museum Costume Collection.

Pisgah Forest Pottery

February 26, 1978-July 30, 1978

    Exhibit of the works of Walter B. Steven and possible others. The exhibit consisted of three different sections, Nonconnah,

    TN 1901-1910, Nonconnah, NC 1913-1916, and Pisgah Forest 1920-1961

December 11, 1977-January 29, 1978 (Southern Christmas Show November 5-13, 1977)

    Antique bicycles loaned from around the state were combined with photographs and other artifacts to trace the history of

    the bicycle.

Festive Fashions 1917-1976

November 22, 1977-March 26, 1978

    Collection of seventeen evening gowns from this period along with appropriate jewelry and other accessories. This exhibit

    was also displayed at the Southern Christmas Show

North Carolina Ceramics: The English Tradition and The North State Pottery Company: 1924-1959

September 20, 1977-December 10, 1977

    Two exhibits on the traditional ceramics of the Seagrove/Sanford area of North Carolina. Almost two hundred different

    pieces of art were on display.

 

Time on Their Hands: American Clocks and Watches 1830-1930

July 31, 1977-November 13, 1977

    Various American-made clocks and watches

Whitman Sampler Collection

May 6, 1977-June 13, 1977

    55 needlepoint samplers from America, England, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Holland and dating from 1742-1858

    were on display. The display was meant to compare the changes in style over time as well as from country to country.

    The samplers also gave insight into the lives of the women who sewed them.

You Bet Your Bloomers! Ladies Undergarments and Accessories 1860-1880

April 1, 1977-July 17, 1977

    Mid-nineteenth century undergarments from the permanent collection of the Mint Museum of History

Fashions: 1830-1900

December 1976-March 13, 1977

    A collection of 27 women’s and children’s costumes reflecting the fashions during the seventy year period.

American Craftsmanship in Silver 1815-1920

July 3, 1976-July 26, 1976

    The exhibit featured over 200 pieces of silverware produced by Samuel Kirk and Son of Baltimore, MD. The exhibit

    showed the evolving tastes of Americans in the 19th century and some of the pieces bore inscriptions relating to

    presidents, etc. Major pieces in the exhibit included a grand epergne made in 1905, an 1850 ewer decorated with repousse

    work, and an 1824 goblet commissioned by General Lafayette.

Military Uniforms of the United States

June 26, 1976-September 20, 1977

    Examples of American uniforms from the Revolution until present day along with appropriate accessories and artifacts.

 

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The Charlotte Museum of History
3500 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215
Phone: 704.568.1774

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