Visitor Information

Past Events

Jul 4, 2010
Celebrate Independence Day and Learn Our History! Free Admission
Apr 8, 2010
Lecture on 18th-Century Architecture in North Carolina--SOLD OUT!
Feb 16, 2010
Annual Meeting of the Joel Lane Historical Society
Feb 4, 2010
Lecture on Slavery in North Carolina in the 18th Century
Jan 21, 2010
Lecture on the Women of Joel Lane’s Family
Dec 5, 2009 - Dec 6, 2009
Christmas Open House 2009
Nov 27, 2009 - Nov 29, 2009
Special Hours on Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend
Nov 12, 2009
Lecture on Wake County’s Participation in the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783
Oct 29, 2009
Tavern Party
Oct 4, 2009
Lecture on George Washington’s 1791 Tour of the South--SOLD OUT
Sep 20, 2009
Lizzie Lane’s Colonial Tea 2009--SOLD OUT
Jul 4, 2009
An Old-Fashioned July Fourth, 2009
Jun 15, 2009 - Jun 19, 2009
Colonial Day Camp at the Joel Lane Museum House
Apr 23, 2009
Back by popular demand, Jim Jones will lecture on “Comitia Americana Medals.”
Mar 13, 2009
Concert of Early American Music by Nationally Renowned Musicians
Feb 19, 2009
Lecture on “George Washington’s 1791 Tour through the South” WAS SOLD OUT
Feb 10, 2009
Joel Lane Historical Society Annual Meeting
Dec 6, 2008 - Dec 7, 2008
The Simple Joys of a A Colonial Christmas
Nov 13, 2008
Lecture on “Promoting Heritage Tourism Through the Preservation of City-Owned Cemeteries”
Oct 23, 2008
Lecture on “The Anglican Church in North Carolina in the Colonial Era”
Sep 28, 2008
Lizzie Lane’s Colonial Tea
Sep 13, 2008
Volunteer Open House
Jul 4, 2008
An Old-Fashioned July Fourth, 2008

Celebrate Independence Day and Learn Our History! Free Admission

when: Jul. 4, 2010

Over 560 people joined us as we celebrated the freedoms that make our nation great on Independence Day, 2010 from 1 to 4 pm. Re-enactors shared their knowledge of life in the colonial and early statehood period when Colonel Joel Lane lived in Wake County. Demonstrations, crafts and games for the children, live music, and lots of other activities kept adults and children enthralled. Admission was free, and so was the lemonade! Donations were gratefully accepted. The whole family enjoyed a fun afternoon learning about the earliest days of the people who lived on the land that became Raleigh in 1792.

Both museum houses were open with docents on hand to answer questions and demonstrate various aspects of colonial and early American life. Activities for the children included making rag dolls and playing games with real toys.

Todd Johnson was here to sign his latest book, Historic Wake County, as well as Wake Capital County of North Carolina, Volume II that he wrote with Elizabeth Reid Murray. Historic Wake County is 128 full-color pages, packed with photos you may never have seen, and sold for $43.00 including tax.

Henry Goodman was here with his fiddle.

The gift shop was open. Many of the toys that the children enjoyed were available for sale. The Original Beeswax Old World Furniture Polish was back in stock, and we have added Natchez Solution Furniture Polish. Our fine selection of books on North Carolina in the 18th century were waiting in the gift shop. Just in--five-finger flower vases similar to those on display in the museum house!

On the grounds, re-enactors demonstrated various aspects of Colonial life such as churning butter and making candles. There were old-fashioned crafts including making rag dolls and games like roll the hoop and hopscotch. The garden showcased its full summer glory, and herbs and trees from the garden were for sale.

In addition to outdoor activities, the circa 1770 plantation manor house, the 1790 “Kitchen” building, and the 1840 building housing the gift shop and Visitors Center were open. We hope you didn’t miss this opportunity to visit colonial America!