Charlotte Museum of History and Historic Charlotte Join Forces
CHARLOTTE, NC (PRWEB) January 07, 2016 -- The Charlotte Museum of History Inc. and Historic Charlotte Inc. today announced that Historic Charlotte would become part of the Charlotte Museum of History. The combined organization will focus on educational programming and historic preservation efforts that will enhance Charlotte’s quality of life and help drive economic growth for the region.
“The Charlotte Museum of History and Historic Charlotte have been part of the fabric of Charlotte for a combined total of 70 years,” said Kay Peninger, executive director of the Charlotte Museum of History. “We have contributed to the region’s quality of life by engaging residents and visitors in the history of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County region and by doing our part to spur heritage tourism and economic development. Together, we will make an even bigger positive impact in the community.”
The mission of the combined organization – under the Charlotte Museum of History name – is to preserve Charlotte’s stories and to engage people across the region with our rich, diverse history.
“This partnership is a logical progression for both organizations,” said John Kincheloe, president of Historic Charlotte Inc. “We have collaborated on educational programs for several years, and we have complementary missions. Historic Charlotte has focused on preserving the historic built environment, while the Museum of History has delivered outstanding educational programming over the years, while also directly preserving the Hezekiah Alexander house. By combining our efforts and expertise, we can have stronger programs for the community, do more preservation work and reach a broader audience.”
The Charlotte Museum of History will continue its long-standing commitment to providing innovative educational programs that engage the community with our history. With the addition of Historic Charlotte, the Museum also will bring new energy and focus to preserving Charlotte’s built environment as an important part of the region’s history. The combined group will:
• Directly preserve the built environment through stewardship and excellent preservation of the Hezekiah Alexander house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the first projects of the combined organization will be a new preservation project at this historic site.
• Broaden Charlotte’s perspective on history by preserving and sharing Charlotte’s stories in all of their richness and diversity.
• Advocate for the preservation of historically important buildings, streetscapes and other components of the built environment.
• Support and connect others who want to preserve the historic built environment, adding value and character to their homes, businesses and neighborhoods. This includes providing education and technical support to homeowners, contractors, architects and trade persons.
“This kind of partnership is terrific for the Charlotte region, and it is the type of collaborative thinking ASC wants to encourage,” said Robert Bush, president of the Arts & Science Council. “This brings two groups together in a way that will strengthen Charlotte’s cultural landscape and help each donor dollar make a greater impact.”
About the Charlotte Museum of History
Founded in 1969, the Charlotte Museum of History and Hezekiah Alexander Home (built circa 1774) and Homesite comprise multiple venues on an eight-acre wooded campus in east Charlotte. The Museum offers educational programming on site and throughout the community that explores the history of the Charlotte region through the stories of its people, events, ideas, built environment and artifacts.
About Historic Charlotte
Founded in 1991, Historic Charlotte’s mission has been to promote historic preservation in the greater Charlotte region by focusing on the built environment. The organization supported and coordinated the activities of history and heritage groups throughout the region and encouraged individuals to learn about and protect the stories and places of their past.
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Kay Peninger, Charlotte Museum of History, http://www.charlottemuseum.org/, +1 (704) 968-6174, [email protected]
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