Oldest House in Raleigh -- Worth a Visit!

The Joel Lane Museum House

We are so glad you are coming to Raleigh this year! Please make time to visit the Joel Lane Museum House. Joel Lane’s house, the oldest in Raleigh, was built in the early 1770’s. Joel Lane was a Colonel in the North Carolina colonial militia and a patriot during the Revolutionary War. In 1771 he introduced the bill to create Wake County, and in 1792 he sold one thousand acres of land to form the newly planned capital city, Raleigh.

This faithfully-restored manor house was once deemed “The Best House for 100 Miles.” It features the Bible owned by Joel’s third son, William, fine examples of period decorative arts, and a number of excellent pieces of locally-made period furniture. Also on the site is a c. 1790 two-story domicile interpreted as a detached kitchen. Tours begin in the charming c. 1820 Visitors Center which was formerly a wing of Joel Lane’s home. The gardens feature a lovely neo-colonial formal English garden, formal herb garden, and fruit trees including pomegranates.

During the National Genealogical Conference conference, the museum house will be open at special times for tours for attendees. Please see your program guide when you check in or check our website.

The Joel Lane Museum House Board of Directors is responsible for the financial support and operation of the Museum. The organization is funded through donations and grants, not by local, state or federal governments. It is operated by a small paid staff and many loyal volunteers. Please call 919-833-3431, email [email protected], or visit our web site for more information.