Visitor Information
Prepare for a breathtaking history lesson.
The Joel Lane Museum House is located on the corner of St. Mary’s and West Hargett Streets in Raleigh, North Carolina 27603. Tours begin in the Visitors Center at 160 South Saint Mary’s Street. For a map and directions, visit the contact page of the website. Scroll down for a virtual tour.
Museum Hours
Tours led by Costumed Guides
Wednesday - Friday:
Tours begin at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 & 1:00
Saturday:
Tours begin at 1:00, 2:00 & 3:00
Sunday
Afternoon tours available for groups by appointment
The Joel Lane Museum House is closed from mid-December to March 1st except on Saturdays. The site is open for special events during this time and is open for group tours by appointment. The office and gift shop are often open even if the Museum is closed. Please call 919-833-3431.
Admission Information
Admission fees are:
Adults: $5.00
Seniors (65 and over): $4.00
Students (kindergarten through college, with id): $3.00
Children under 6: Free
With a current AAA card, discount is $1.00 off the adult or senior admission fee
Tours appropriate for ages 4 and up
Allow about 45 minutes for a complete site visit
Parking and Directions
Parking is free. On-street parking is available on Hargett Street in front of the Museum House and on Saint Mary’s Street in front of the Visitors Center. Visit our contact page for directions.
Accessibility
The Visitors Center and Museum Shop are accessible by a ramp. The Museum House and the “Kitchen” building can only be entered by climbing several steps. With advanced reservations, a guided virtual tour is available for those who cannot enter the inaccessible buildings. Strollers are prohibited in the museum buildings. Infants and young toddlers must be carried.
Have a Historical Children’s Birthday Party!
Does your child love playing dress up and is interested in the early history of America? We have the perfect spot for his or her birthday party. One-hour event includes an age-appropriate tour of Joel Lane’s house and the “kitchen,” followed by your choice of one activity for the children: writing with a quill pen, rag doll making, tin punching an ornament, or dipping a beeswax candle. Playing old-time toys and games is also included. Limit is 15 people including adults; admission is $10 per person; and no food or drink is allowed in the buildings. Available times: Saturdays at 1:00, 2:00 or 3:00 pm or Sunday afternoons. Advanced reservations are required. To make a reservation, contact us at 919-833-3431 or email
Site Rental
For information on Site Rental for your special event, download the relevant documents by clicking on these two links: Rental_Agreement.2009_.pdf and: Rules.2011_.10_.04_.pdf
Newsletters
To read a copy of our semi-annual newsletter, click on one of the following links: Newsletter.Summer_2008_.pdf; Newsletter_winter.2009_.2_.pdf ; Newsletter_summer.2009_.pdf; Newsletter_winter._2010_.pdf ; Newsletter_summer._2010_.pdf ; Newsletter_winter._2011_.2_.email_.pdf
Time Travelers
We participate in the Time Travelers program. To find out more about the program, click on the following link: Time Travelers. To download a list of sites at which your Joel Lane Historical Society membership is accepted for discounts and other offers, click here: 09-10_TTBrochure_NoLogo.pdf
Virtual Tour