Visitor Information

Red Finger Vase

The red Finger Vase measures 6 1/2” tall and 8 1/4” wide and was made in Thailand. Order one today to bring a touch of the colonial period to your home. 

$26.25

Blue Finger Vase

The blue Finger Vase is sure to be a beautiful addition to any decor.  It measures 6 1/2” tall and 8 1/4” wide and was made in Thailand. 

$26.25

White Finger Vase

So many visitors admire the five finger vases on the fireplace mantels in Joel Lane’s house, that we have scoured the country to find some to offer in the museum shop. The White Finger Vase is 6 1/2’ tall and 8 1/4” wide and was made in Thailand. Gorgeous filled with greenery or flowers, it will grace any spot in your home! (Flowers not included.)

$25.25

Woodcut of Joel Lane Museum House

Woodcut of Joel Lane Museum House by R. B. Danie is printed on heavy stock paper. The image measures 12 1/2” by 7 1/8”.  The entire sheet measures either 11” by 16 1/2” or 12 1/2” by 17”. 

$35.00

English 6-Pounder Field Cannon

The English 6-pounder field cannon is scaled to the size of the British and Colonial soldiers listed below.  It measures 3 1/2” by 2” and is made of metal.  It is a collectible and is not intended for children under 12.  Made in China.

$10.00

All American Sampler Kit

The all American sampler kit includes 14-count Aida cloth, embroidery floss, needle, chart, instructions, and history. Samplers were an important part of a colonial and early American girl’s education.  She could practice making letters and numbers,improve fine motor skills, and learn patience.  In addition, many were executed by older girls as works of art. Ages 8 and up. 

$15.00

Wooden Hand Fan

The hand fan was very popular in the 18th century, both as a fashion accessory and for keeping cool.  Ours is decoratively pierced and made of wood.  If a young person is opening it, be sure to show her how to slide it open, not pull the two sides apart! 

$10.00

Musket Ball

The musket ball is a reproduction of those used in smooth bore flintlock muskets from the time of the Revolution to the Civil War. They were made in molds out of molten lead. Ours is .69 calibre, about 5/8” in diameter. 

$7.00

Peg Top

The peg top is a variation on the top that requires some practice. The string is carefully wrapped around the top and looped over the end of a finger. It is thrown with some force so is not suitable for children under age 6. Ours is wood with a metal tip and measures 2 1/4” long and 1 3/4” in diameter at the widest point. 

$11.00

Hopscotch Game

The hopscotch game was a favorite in colonial and early America. Stones, chalk, and directions are included.  Not for children under 5. 

$13.00

Whirligig or Buzzsaw

The whirligig or buzzsaw was made of hammered lead musket balls or coins too old and thin to be of value. They have been excavated from many early American sites. The metal makes a loud whirring noise when it is in use. Ours measures 1 1/2” in diameter. Not for children under age 5.

$9.50

Wooden Yo-Yo

The yo-yo dates back to ancient Greece.  Ours is made of hardwood and will perform many tricks.  It measures 2” in diameter and will provide hours of fun! 

$10.50

Propeller--Old-Fashioned Flying Machine

The propeller or old-fashioned flying machine is made of wood and dates back to the Renaissance in Europe. Though not known in the 18th century in America, it is a fascinating toy. Ours measures 7” wide and 5 3/4” tall. Not for children under 5.

$10.00

Handmade Lavender-Filled Sachets

The elves at the Joel Lane Museum House have just produced gorgeous handmade lavender-filled sachets. Using old lace and linens donated by the local Colonial Dames chapter, the ladies have produced a wide assortment of fragrant sachets just in time for holiday gift giving. The lavender was locally grown, and the sachets are wrapped in clear cellophane bags, are tied with a lavender bow, and come with a descriptive card. Each one is unique, so let us choose for you. Each measures approximately 5” by 4”.

$17.00

Dessert Cookbook

Dessert Cookbook is the third in a series of small cookbooks with easy-to-prepare recipes gathered from members of the Joel Lane Historical Society. All of the recipes require just a few ingredients--otherwise, they wouldn’t fit on the small pages! 28 pp, tied with a jaunty polka-dot ribbon. Measures 4 1/4” by 5 1/2”.

$10.50

Casserole Cookbook

Casserole Cookbook features 24 pages of easy, short, and delicious recipes contributed by members of the Joel Lane Historical Society. Certain to please the busy cook on your shopping list! Tied with a perky polka-dot ribbon, 27 pp, measures 5 1/2” by 4 1/4”. 

$10.50

Appetizer Cookbook

Appetizer Cookbook is a tiny, 28-page cookbook filled with simple and delicious recipes contributed by members of the Joel Lane Historical Society. Festooned with a festive polka-dot ribbon, it makes the perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer. Measures 5 1/2” by 4 1/4”.

$10.50

Beeswax Candles

Pure beeswax candles come in a handsome Joel Lane logo gift box. Includes two 10” candles dipped by hand using early American methods. 

$18.25

Hornbook

Hornbook is a reproduction of a child’s first reader. Consisting of one piece of paper, it has the alphabet and the Lord’s Prayer. In early America, the single page was mounted on a small piece of wood and covered by a thin, transparent piece of horn to protect the paper. Ours uses a piece of cellophane. Measures 2 7/8” by 5 1/4”. Assembly required. 

$8.25

Early American Playing Cards

Early American Playing Cards include a deck of 52 cards in the familiar suits and sequence. Authentic replicas, the cards’ reverse side is blank, and they are printed in full color on cream-colored card stock. Cards measure 2 1/2” by 3 3/4”.

$15.00

Colonial Coin and Banknote

Colonial Coin and Banknote set includes replicas of a $1 Continental coin and a $20 Continental note. During the Revolutionary War, there was not much money in circulation, so the state governments and the Congress issued their own paper money so that trade could carry on. The $1 coin was the first silver-dollar sized coin ever made for the United States. The $20 note was produced after 1777; it contains the words “United States.” Earlier notes read “United Colonies.”

$8.50

Colonial Bank Notes

Reproduction colonial and Revolutionary War bank note set includes seven replicas of the original currency. They have been antiqued so they look and feel old.  Includes one North Carolina $4 note from 1778. Notes measure 3” by 3 3/4”.

$7.00

The Governors of North Carolina

The Governors of North Carolina edited by Michael Hill contains biographical sketches and pictures or signatures of the 99 men from Ralph Lane to Michael F. Easley who have served as North Carolina’s chief executive. Paperback with 211 pages, index, and bibliography. Measures 6 3/4” by 10”.

$27.00

Guide to North Carolina Highway Markers

Guide to North Carolina Highway Markers, Tenth Edition, is a wonderful resource to have in the car while you are traveling around the state. Does your driver refuse to stop so you can read the markers? Problem solved--you can read the text and your driver can continue on his/her way. Everyone is happy! Organized by county with photos and maps. Paperback, 265 pages with index. Measures 6 3/4” by 10”.

$22.00

Society in Colonial North Carolina

Society in Colonial North Carolina by Alan D. Watson, Revised Edition, details many areas of life in colonial North Carolina, including family, servitude and slavery, religion, and transportation and communication. A must-have for the serious student of North Carolina history. Paperback with 147 pages, maps, illustrations, index, and bibliography. Measures 6” by 9”.

$16.00

North Carolina in the American Revolution

North Carolina in the American Revolution by Hugh F. Rankin was first published in 1959 and is a comprehensive review of the people who fought and the battles in which they struggled to free this nation free from tyranny.  Paperback, 74 pages iwth illustrations. Measures 6” by 9”.

$13.00

Holiday Donation Card

The Holiday Donation Card is graced with the well-known symbol of hospitality, the pineapple. Taken by Assistant Curator, Kathleen Ruse, this stunning photo of the Christmas centerpiece on the table in the Hall of the Joel Lane Museum House makes a gorgeous greeting card and comes with a white envelope. The inside of the card reads, “Happy Holidays! A gift has been made to the Joel Lane Museum House in your honor by_________” with a blank for you to fill in your name. Card measures 5 1/2” by 4 1/4” and is printed on heavy card stock. Minimum donation: $15 per card.

$15.00

Gardener's Soap

Gardener’s Soap is a 6.4 ounce (181 gram) bar of fragrant, exfoliating soap with ground apricot seeds, organic oat flour, and rich, essential oils of clove and orange. Sure to please any avid gardener, it will make the perfect gift for the plant lover in your life, especially when paired with our book, Herbs and Herb Lore of Colonial America. The book can be found by scrolling down on the page at this link: Herbs and Herb Lore of Colonial America. The gorgeous gift box for the Gardener’s Soap measures 3 3/4” by 2” by 1 3/4”. 

$10.00

JLMH Euro Car Magnet

JLMH Euro Car Magnet announces your allegiance to the only site in Wake County, NC that interprets the Revolutionary War! Printed in our signature brown ink, the name of the Joel Lane Museum House and its tag line of “Birthplace of NC’s Capital” lets those in traffic behind you see that you are loyal to this important heritage site. Measuring 5 3/4” by 4”, this removable magnet will not damage your car.

$9.00

Declaration of Independence and Quill

Declaration of Independence and Quill Set contains a facsimile edition of the Declaration of Independence and a real quill pen made from a goose feather. Add some of your own ink, and watch your little scholar try his or her hand at writing in the 18th-century way! Package measures 15” by 4 1/2”. Quill is approximately 12” long. Ages 6 and up. 

$8.25

Tin Whistle

Tin Whistle is a working whistle much like the ones played by citizens in the colonial period. Also known as a penny whistle in 18th-century England, it was a popular and inexpensive musical instrument. Length 12”. Choking hazard: contains small parts.  Ages 8 and up.

$9.00

The History of the American Revolution

The History of the American Revolution: Highlights of the Important Battles and Documents of Freedom is a brief summary of that crucial era in American history.  It spans the years from 1763 to 1783 when the peace treaty was signed. Paperback, measures 5 1/2” by 8 1/2”, 15 pages. 

$7.25

George Washington, Spymaster

George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War is a delightful paperback book sure to capture the imagination of any young patriot. A well-documented and appealing history, the book is illustrated with black and white reproductions of archival art and pen and ink sketches.  184 pages, measures 5” by 6 3/4”. 

$11.50

Story of the American Revolution Coloring Book

Story of the American Revolution Coloring Book features 40 finely drawn illustrations that capture all the drama and excitement of a fateful era in American history. Many important events are depicted, including Paul Revere’s ride, the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, and of course, the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. Historically accurate drawings are accompanied by captions that highlight the facts about the scenes depicted in the illustrations. Paperback, 48 pages, measures 8 1/4” by 11”.

$9.25

Early American Crafts and Occupations Coloring Book

Early American Crafts and Occupations Coloring Book contains 40 carefully researched and meticulously rendered drawings of typical occupations practiced in colonial America. Occupations such as sail-maker, stonemason, and furniture maker are featured along with fact-filled descriptive captions. Paperback, 45 pages, measures 8 1/4” by 11”. 

$10.50

Everyday Dress of the American Colonial Period Coloring Book

Everyday Dress of the American Colonial Period Coloring Book contains 46 remarkable drawings that reproduce the everyday dress of numerous American colonists of the 1770s. Each illustration is accompanied by a caption and a brief description of the clothing.  Fifteen examples are pictured in full color on the covers. The paperback book measures 8 1/4” by 11”. 

$9.25

George Washington and His Family: Paper Dolls in Full Color

George Washington and His Family: Paper Dolls in Full Color features 16 pages of paper dolls and clothes to cut out. Girls playing with George, Martha, and four of their grandchildren can choose among 32 incredibly authentic costumes. Informative text provides fascinating details about the Washington family. Paperback book measures 8 1/4” by 11”. Ages 8 and up. 

$12.00

Betsy the Colonial Girl Sticker Paper Doll

Betsy the Colonial Girl Sticker Paper Doll has four pages of reusable clothing stickers. Betsy’s clothes are beautiful ones depicting rich fabrics. The paperback book measures 4” by 5 3/4” so is perfect for a small gift for your favorite girl. Ages 6 and up.

$6.75

Four Colonial Girls: Sticker Paper Dolls by Sue Shanahan

Four Colonial Girls: Sticker Paper Dolls by Sue Shanahan is a full-color paper doll book with 4 pages of authentic clothes for the four paper dolls. The paperback book measures 8 1/4” by 11,” and the reusable sticker clothes include all the accessories for the well-dressed 18th-century girl. Ages 6 and up.

$12.50

The Bill of Rights by Sy Sobel, JD

The Bill of Rights: Protecting Our Freedom Then and Now by Sy Sobel, JD is a 48-page soft cover book with illustrations, a glossary, and a bibliography. Dr. Sobel transforms America’s history into an exciting adventure. Ages 8 and up.

$12.50

The Declaration of Independence by Sy Sobel, JD

The Declaration of Independence: How the 13 Colonies Became the United States by Sy Sobel, JD is a 48-page softcover book designed for grades 3 through 5. It measures 7” by 9” and includes illustrations and a glossary. Indispensable to the child who is learning the history of this great nation!

$12.50

Toy Soldier--British General

Toy Soldier--British General arrives in an attractive gift box. He is made of metal, is 2 1/2” tall, and is dressed in the traditional British red coat with his sword at his side. A short description of the British soldier’s life and the hardships both sides faced during the American Revolutionary War is printed on the back of the box. Ages 3 and up.

$10.00

Toy Soldier--British Infantryman

Toy Soldier--British Infantryman measures 3 “ tall and is made of metal. He is dressed in a traditional red coat and carries his rifle with bayonet attached. He arrives in an attractive gift box with a short history on the back of the hardships faced by soldiers on both sides of the American Revolutionary War. Ages 3 and up.

$10.00

Toy Soldier--Colonial General

The Colonial General toy soldier is almost 2 1/2 “ tall, is made of metal, and is sure to delight the small soldier on your gift list. The back of the attractive gift box has a short history of the hardships faced by the soldiers who fought on behalf of the colonies in the American Revolutionary War. Ages 3 and up.

$10.00

Toy Soldier--Colonial Infantryman

Toy Soldier--Colonial Infantryman is 2 1/2” tall and made of metal.  Packaged in an attractive gift box, it is perfect for a small gift or a stocking stuffer for your favorite little soldier! Ages 3 and up.

$10.00

My First Weaving Loom

My First Weaving Loom kit is a traditional, easy-to-use, hand-held loom designed for weaving a variety of projects. It includes everything you need to begin weaving: frame loom, pick-up stick, shuttle, beater, contrasting warp and weft yarn, and instructions. With additional yarn, you can make a table mat, doll blanket, coaster, wrist band, or belt. Kit measures 8 1/2” by 10”.

$22.75

Beginning Quilting Kit

Beginning Quilting Kit includes three easy-to-make projects for a fun first quilting experience. The kit includes fabric squares, muslin, batting, stuffing, needle, thread, pattern, and instructions to make a potholder, small pillow, and a doll blanket. You will need scissors, straight pins, and a pen or pencil. Kit measures 8 1/2” by 8 1/2 “. Fabrics may vary from picture. Ages 8 and up.

$18.75

My First Knitting Set

My First Knitting Set includes yarn, wooden knitting needles, easy-to-follow instructions, and a history of knitting. Knitting is an ancient craft practiced by early Americans. Yarn colors may vary from picture. Kit measures 5” by 8”. Ages 7 and up. 

$12.50

Cross-Stitch Bookmark Kit

Cross-Stitch Bookmark Kit features an easy-to-make 14-count quilt pattern bookmark.  Cross stitch was the most popular form of needlework in early America.  Young girls who practiced this craft learned patience and fine motor skills. Kit includes floss, needle, canvas, and instructions. Kit measures 8 1/2” by 3 1/4”.  Ages 8 and up.

$12.25

Miss Poppet: An Early American Cloth Doll Kit

Miss Poppet: An Early American Cloth Doll Kit has everything you need to make an early American poppet doll kit. It includes fabric, needle, floss, stuffing, yarn, and instructions to make an authentic replica doll who will be approximately 13” tall. Kit measures 8” by 6”. Fabric may vary from photo. Ages 8 and up.

$17.25

Colonial Spoon Doll Kit

Colonial Spoon Doll Kit contains fabric, spoon head, stuffing, yarn, floss, and needle.  Cloth may vary from picture. You will need scissors, pins, and glue. (Hot glue works best.) In the early colonial period, girls and their mothers made dolls of everyday household materials, such as spools, clothes pegs, yarn, buttons, and spoons.  Kit measures 5 1/4” by 6 1/2”.Ages 8 and up. 

$12.25

Little Black Folk Doll Kit

Little Black Folk Doll Kit includes fabric, embroidery floss, needle, stuffing, pattern, and instructions. Handmade cloth rag dolls were popular in the early American colonies since porcelain dolls from Europe were very expensive. Enslaved children played with black dolls made from scraps of cloth. Surviving ones have been found in Underground Railroad hiding places where enslaved people hid on the escape routes to freedom in the north. Kit measures 5” by 5 1/2”. For ages 8 and up.

$13.00

American Cookery: or, the Art of Dressing Viands, Fish, Poultry and Vegetables

American Cookery: or, the Art of Dressing Viands, Fish, Poultry and Vegetables by Amelia Simmons, an American Orphan, is a paperback facsimile edition of the 86-page cookbook originally published in 1796. This edition is the second edition of the first American cookbook and is the only edition with the recipe for Election Cake. Measures 5” by 8”, paperback with 70 pages, index, and abbreviated glossary.

$17.00

Poor Richard, 1733. An Almanack for the Year of Christ 1733

Poor Richard, 1733. An Almanack for the Year of Christ 1733, being the First after Leap Year by Richard Saunders is a 26-page, 3 3/4” by 6 1/4 “ paperback facsimile edition. Benjamin Franklin printed this edition facing heavy competition, so he took the unusual and controversial step of injecting witty entries between standard tables of tides, weather prediction, and other facts. The Almanack was the most popular book of its kind in colonial America. 

$12.00

The Declaration of Independence with Short Biographies of Its Signers

The Declaration of Independence with Short Biographies of Its Signers is an attractive hardback book with 32 pp. measuring 4 1/4” by 6”. It features the entire text of the document and allows the reader to discover who those brave men who signed the document were. 

$17.00

The Way to Wealth

The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin was first published in 1758 as a preface to his Poor Richard’s Almanack.  This edition is a charming little hardcover book of 30 pages measuring 4 1/4” by 6 3/4.” It is called a summing up of all his previously published thoughts on how to achieve success in business. 

$17.00

George Washington's Rules of Civility & Behavior

George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Behavior in Company and Conversation is a re-creation of the tome written by the father of our country when he was just 14 years old. This delightful 30-page hard bound book includes his 110 rules to “inculcate the practice of a perfect self control.” Measuring just 4 1/4” by 6 3/4”, it will make the perfect gift for friends and relatives of any age!

$17.00

Chameleon on the Crabtree

Commissioned by Joel Lane Museum House, Inc. in 2001, Dr. Jerry L. Cross’s biography of Joel Lane is unprecedented in its scope and scholarship. Spiral-bound, measuring 8 1/2 “ by 11,” and with a total of 93 pages, it answers many questions about the man and the myths surrounding him. A must for the local history lover’s book shelf.

$30.00

Graces

An early American toy, Graces consist of four wooden dowels and two beribboned hoops. The object of the game is to use two sticks to catch the hoop tossed by your opponent’s two sticks. The better you get at it, the smaller your hoop and the farther apart the tosser and catcher stand. Used in the past primarily by girls so that they could learn to move gracefully, graces are now enjoyed by both genders. It provides good aerobic exercise, too! 

$35.00

Spinning Top

Tops are documented as toys played with in our colonial period.  Made of wood and string, ours is handcrafted in the North Carolina mountains and includes a holder and string for really sending the top spinning! 

$14.50

Herbs and Herb Lore of Colonial America

Originally published in 1970 by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of Connecticut, this edition from 1995 is a charming paperback totalling 74 pages. Each plant is pictured in a line drawing with its botanical and familiar names and a brief description of the plant and its historical uses.  A perfect small gift for the garden enthusiast, it measures 5 1/4” by 8 1/2”.

$11.00

Ball Tosser

The Ball Tosser or Cup and Ball is another old toy that develops the child’s hand/eye coordination. The object is to catch the ball in the cup. Ours is hand crafted in the North Carolina mountains and is made of wood and string. Older children will be more successful at playing the game, though it does take practice to consistently catch the ball in the cup. Contains small pieces not appropriate for children under age 3. Cup with handle measures 8 1/4” in length. 

$11.00

Moonwinder

The Moonwinder is a very old toy.  Also called Buzz Saw, it is a simple toy that when rapidly twirled can emit a sound like a saw.  Made of wood and string and hand crafted in the North Carolina mountains, it teaches hand/eye coordination. The disk measures 2 1/2” in diameter.  Contains small pieces and is appropriate for ages 5 and up. 

$10.00

Jacob's Ladder

This simple toy made of wood and ribbon is debatably as old as Egyptian times, but scholars do not agree as to its use in the New World during the colonial period.
When fully opened, ours measures 11 1/2” by 2”. It is a fascinating toy for all ages who marvel at its strange ability to seem to appear and disappear as its wooden blocks cascade over one another. 

$15.00

Notecards with Flowers From Joel Lane Gardens

Our own Assistant Curator, Kathleen Ruse, has taken stunning photos of flowers from the Joel Lane gardens. We have taken the copyrighted images and reproduced them on full-color notecards. They are sold in clear acrylic boxes of 8 assorted designs. The notes are printed on high quality card stock, are folded, and measure 4 1/4” by 5 1/2 “. Pictured is Feverfew. Price includes shipping and handling. 

$23.00

Book Entitled "Why America is Free"

“Why America is Free: A History of the Founding of the American Republic” written by Hamburger, et. al.

A full-color hardback book with 202 pages of meticulously researched information on the history of our country. Commissioned by the Society of the Cincinnati and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. 
The book measures 7 1/2” by 9 1/2 “ and is written for elementary and middle school ages but is enjoyed by all ages.
Shipping and handling charges are included in the price.

$25.00

Complete Counted Cross Stitch Kit

Completing a cross stitch sampler was an important way for a child to practice writing the alphabet and hone the art of the needle. Give your child or friend the opportunity to experience a taste of early America!
Kit measures 8 1/2” by 13” and includes 11 colors of embroidery floss. Kit is sold unassembled.
Finished sampler framed measures 10 1/2” by 13 1/2.”
A Joel Lane exclusive!
Shipping and handling charges are included in the price.

$35.00

Wildflower Milled Soap

Luxurious milled soap made right here in North Carolina! Makes an extra-rich lather with the sweet fragrance of wild flowers.
A Joel Lane exclusive with Joel Lane’s signature on the box
3 bars soap, 3 oz each in gift box with coordinating grosgrain ribbon
Boxes measure 8 1/2” by 2 1/4” by 1.”
Shipping and handling charges are included in the price.

$12.50

Lemon Verbena Milled Soap

Luxurious milled soap made right here in North Carolina! Makes extra rich lather with the tart fragrance of lemons.
A Joel Lane exclusive with Joel Lane’s signature on the box
3 bars soap, 3 oz each in gift box with coordinating grosgrain ribbon
Boxes measure 8 1/2” by 2 1/4” by 1.”
Shipping and handling charges are included in the price.

$12.50

Black & White Notecards

Box of ten black and white notecards with envelopes featuring local artist Jerry Miller’s drawing of Joel Lane’s home as seen from the east. Each card measures 4” by 5” and is perfect for jotting a quick note and letting your correspondent know that your heart lies with this important heritage site. 

$17.50

Lavender Milled Soap

Luxurious milled soap made right here in North Carolina! Makes a rich lather with the unmistakable aroma of lavender
A Joel Lane exclusive with Joel Lane’s signature on the box
3 bars soap, 3 ounces each in gift box with coordinating grosgrain ribbon
Box measures 8 1/2” long, 2 1/4” wide, and 1” high.
Shipping and handling charges are included in the price.

$12.50

Playing Cards

A boxed set of two decks of large-print playing cards with images of the Joel Lane Museum House and its sister site here in Raleigh, Haywood Hall. Perfect for the bridge fanatic!

$25.00