The public is cordially invited to attend this year's activities:

Special Events for 2008

November 21 – January 16, 2009
Raleigh’s Own President: Andrew Johnson’s Life in North Carolina Exhibit
Born in Raleigh in 1808, few would have guessed from Andrew Johnson’s less than privileged upbringing that he would go on to become the 17th President of the United States. Too poor to attend school, Johnson was apprenticed at age ten to work for James J. Selby, a local tailor. In that shop, he learned two skills that would change his path in life: how to perform the tailor's craft and how to read. Discover Johnson’s roots in North Carolina, his tumultuous presidency, and historic impeachment trial in commemoration of his 200th birthday.

Special Events for 2009

January 23-April 5 Fun Times in Hard Times: How We Played in the Great Depression Exhibit. The Great Depression affected the lives of Americans everywhere and North Carolinians were no exception. Despite unemployment, failing banks, financial uncertainty and other setbacks, families and children across the state found creative ways to keep their minds off their troubles and their spirits high.

January 10 The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics Lecture and Book Signing. Rob Christensen will speak about his book, “The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics: The Personalities, Elections and Events that Shaped Modern N.C.” Christensen, a political columnist for The Raleigh News & Observer, will sign copies of his book after the talk. 1 p.m.

February 1 African American Read-In. Local celebrities, community leaders and students read from works by their favorite African American writers at the Capitol for the 20th annual National African American Read-In. Fiction and non-fiction for children and adults will be featured in an afternoon of great works. 2-4 p.m.

February 16 The History of Union Square Lecture. Susan Little, of Little and Little Landscape Architecture, will speak on the fascinating history of the Capitol grounds and the recent sidewalk enhancement project. Using historic photographs, plans and maps, Little will trace the evolution of Union Square from unkempt hog pasture to tranquil downtown oasis. 1 p.m.

March 14 A Day With Kit Kittredge, An American Girl. Learn more about what life was like during the Great Depression. This fun program will feature Depression-era snacks, games, crafts and more. Dress up in 1930s garb and step back in time with “Kit Kittredge, an American Girl.” For ages 6-12; pre-registration required. 1-3 p.m.

April 12 Easter Sunrise Service. A non-denominational service with musical performances will take place on the east grounds of Union Square. 6:30-8 a.m.

April 18 North Carolina’s Fight for the Bill of Rights Lecture. Come to the Capitol to hear Karen Blum, Asst. Attorney General with the N.C. Dept. of Justice speak on the journey of N.C.’s original copy of the Bill of Rights. The lecture includes the history of the document from its transmittal to the state by George Washington in 1789, to its theft from the Capitol by a Union soldier during the Civil War and recovery by the FBI in 2003. 1 p.m.

April 24-Oct. 4 Capitol Keepsakes: Souvenirs from N.C.’s State House Exhibit. This exhibit will feature several of the mementos depicting the State Capitol since its completion in the 1830s. It will include postcards, print materials, ceramics and other bric-a-brac visitors have taken with them over the years.

May 2 An Afternoon at the Capitol: Statehouse Souvenirs. Souvenirs have always helped people remember a special trip or event. Drop in to this program and make a unique Capitol souvenir to take home with you. Be sure to view our exhibit, “Capitol Keepsakes: Souvenirs from North Carolina’s State House” while you’re here. 1-3 p.m.

May 25 Memorial Day Observance. A military encampment representing three centuries of military tradition will be set up on the Capitol grounds. A wreath-laying ceremony in honor of those North Carolinians who served during times of war will take place at the Veterans Monument at noon. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

June 1 State Capitol Photo Contest Entry Deadline. This year’s contest theme is “Telling Our Stories” and amateur photographers are encouraged to take photographs that tell the story of a generation, a people, or a state. Photographs must have been taken in N.C. during the past calendar year to be eligible for entry. Entry packets and complete list of rules are available at
the Capitol’s front desk and at www.ncstatecapitol.org beginning Feb 1.

July Independence Day Celebration. Enjoy a family-oriented Independence Day celebration with a patriotic concert and picnic. Wander over to the Capitol’s “Old Fashioned 4th” area and see how people in N.C. celebrated the 4th long ago. Musical performances, food and historic demonstrators round out this patriotic day of fun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

September 19 Capitol Statuary Tour. Join a member of the Capitol staff for a closer look at the 14 monuments that dot Union Square. Learn about the artists, symbolism and the sometimes surprising history of these public monuments. Tour will begin at the George Washington statue on the south plaza of the grounds at 12:30 p.m.

October 9-January 19, 2010 Checks and Balances: How Government Works at the N.C. State Capitol exhibit. This exhibit will allow children and adults alike to discover how N.C.’s government works.

October 24 Scare on the Square. Embark on a tour of this 169-year old building that will highlight all the strange and eerie things people claim to have experienced here over the years. Music and carriage rides will keep you entertained as you wait for your tour outside on the east grounds. Tours are limited, so pre-registration is strongly encouraged for this popular event. 5:30- 9:30 p.m.

November 11 Veterans’ Day Parade and Ceremony. A parade, wreath-laying ceremony, and patriotic concert will honor the state’s veterans. Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Ceremony will take place at the Veterans’ Monument at 11 a.m.

November 14 Capitol Statuary Tour. Join a member of the Capitol staff for a closer look at the 14 monuments that dot Union Square. Learn about the artists, symbolism and the sometimes surprising history of these public monuments. Tour will begin at the George Washington statue on the south plaza of the grounds at 12:30 p.m.

December (Date TBA) Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Festival. Festivities begin with the lighting of luminaries and musical performances on the Capitol grounds. The Governor and First Lady will light the state Christmas Tree during the traditional ceremony on the west grounds. After the ceremony, visitors are invited inside the Capitol for an open house to take in the Raleigh Garden Club’s decorations. Date and time will depend on Governor’s schedule.

December (Dates TBA) Holiday Open House. The Capitol will be decorated for the holidays by the Raleigh Garden Club. Local performing groups will provide concerts of holiday music daily during the open house. Dates and times will depend on Governor’s schedule.

December (Date TBA) Civil War Christmas Encampment. Re-enactors will demonstrate how to make period Christmas ornaments, dip candles, and teach kids how to participate in Civil War drills. Date and times will depend on Governor’s schedule.

Return to top of page

Return to the State Capitol home page