Google Map of the Raleigh and North Carolina

We have created a map of some of the important locations in Raleigh and North Carolina on Google Maps.

Please follow this link view the map.

The map identifies locations according to the following key:

• A blue circular pin with a black dot in the center -- The Raleigh Convention and Conference Center. The location of the conference.
  
• A yellow house -- The three conference hotels
• A knife and fork -- Dining areas or specific restaurants
  
• A coffee cup -- (New!) Local coffee bars and cafés
  
• A purple push pin -- The Raleigh City Museum & Visitor's Center
• A green push pin -- Libraries and archives
  
• A yellow push pin -- Historical sites
• A red push pin -- Historic cemeteries
  
• A light blue push pin -- Other sites of interest
  
• A blue letter P -- Parking (New! The map now includes the locations of the Convention Center, Cabarrus and Archives parking lots.)
  

We will continue to update the map with additional locations, including parking locations.

Thursday Night UPDATE! Dessert Night & Archives

If you are planning to attend Dessert Night at the History Museum or take in the Archives -- here is some important information on how to get there and the revised program schedule!

Getting to the History Museum and NC Archives

Since these two buildings are kitty-corner to one another, the suggestions provided here will apply for both!

1. If you have a car, note that the lot east of the History Museum and South of the Archives is free starting at 5pm (N on map is on the left side, the convention center would be off on the right side) 2. R-line -- this new service provides free transportation. Stop R1 is the one closest to the history museum/archives. Our understanding is that you must "pull the cord" for the bus to stop! It does NOT automatically stop at every stop on the route. So, as soon as you see the Capitol Building on your left -- indicate to the driver that you want to get off at the next stop.
3. Rickshaws -- these will be available outside the convention center
4. Walk up Fayetteville street (weather permitting) … meet @ 5:30 at the Hospitality table and take a leisurely stroll up Fayetteville street, past the Capitol to the History Museum and Archives building, with one of your local hosts

Revised Dessert Reception Program

North Carolina Museum of History & North Carolina Genealogical Society Reception

When: Thursday, May 14
Where: Museum of History
Time: 6:00pm ‘til 9:00pm

6:00 Open
6:15-6:45 Earl Ijames – Question & Answer in Atrium: Colored Confederates & US Colored Troops
6:15-7:00 Catherine Elias – Writing Your Ancestor’s Story: A Civil War Case Study
7:00-7:30 Welcome and Introduction of Special Guests, Performance by the North Carolina Black Storytellers Association
7:30-8:30 Question & Answer in Atrium:
+ William Alex Haley – son of Alex Haley, author of “Roots”
+ Ms. Mattie Clyburn Rice – daughter of Weary Clyburn, 12th SC Volunteers
+ Mr. Luke Martin – son of Pvt. Luke Martin, 1st NC Colored Volunteers (35th USCT)
7:45-8:45 Jeffrey Haines, CG – North Carolina People Finders
9:00 Museum Closes

All evening: Gift Shop will be open offering unique gifts from North Carolina

Artist show: Michelle Nicole Taylor, artist, will exhibit some of her paintings “in hopes of freedom.” Her series “Colored Patriots” are historical descriptions from their Revolutionary War service.

Some of the Open Exhibits: Knights of the Black Flag; Workboats of Core Sound; On Earth’s Furrowed Brow: The Appalachian Farm in Photographs; Pleasing to the Eye: The Decorative Arts of North Carolina; 1920’s Drugstore; From Horses to Horsepower; North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

Raleigh's Historic Cemeteries

Wake County (NC) is blessed with many wonderful old cemeteries, both large and small, several of which are located in downtown Raleigh -- Old City Cemetery, Oakwood Cemetery, Mt. Hope, O'Rorke and several others. Notable among them are two historic cemeteries located near downtown Raleigh -- Old City Cemetery and Oakwood Cemetery.

Old City Cemetery

A stroll through Raleigh’s Old City Cemetery, with its cobblestone roadways, is a trip through local history. Established in 1798 with sections for “residents, visitors & slaves”, those buried here include senators, generals and many of the founders of both the city and the state including Joel Lane, known as “the father of Raleigh”. While it is a treasure trove for genealogists with local ancestors, it also offers visitors and those without local connections a vivid and touchingly personal glimpse of history. One finds the grave of Jacob Johnson, father of our 17th President Andrew Johnson, who “died from disease caused by an over-effort in saving the life of his friend”; of Wm. Gray Kilkelly, Express Agent, “who perished the 10th March 1856, in the burning of the cars on the Seaboard Road”; and poignant eulogies such as “she died without an enemy” on stones that no longer bear a name.

Learn more about this cemetery.

Oakwood Cemetery

A few blocks north one can visit Historic Oakwood Cemetery, which began in 1867 when Henry Mordecai donated two and one-half acres to reinter the Confederate dead. An agent for the U.S. government, having claimed the existing cemetery on Rock Quarry road as a national cemetery for Union soldiers, threatened to throw the disinterred Confederate dead out onto the public street unless they were removed within 3 days. A local group, spearheaded by Sophia Partridge and largely comprised of women and children, moved more than 400 dead to their new resting place at Oakwood. The Confederate section of Oakwood now contains nearly 1500 graves including four Confederate generals. The cemetery was founded in 1869 and now includes 102 acres. Oakwood Cemetery, like City Cemetery, is the final resting place of many prominent people and many, though less well known, whose monuments and epitaphs speak of their own fascinating stories.

Learn more about this cemetery.

Whether you are seeking specific genealogical information, or simply wish to experience history in a very personal way, a visit to Raleigh’s cemeteries is sure to prove memorable.

Directions to the Clarion

I-40 Exit 298B - S-Saunders North. Follow signs to downtown, 2 miles. Note that South Saunders will split into South Saunders (to the left) and McDowell St (to the right). You want to veer to right and take McDowell St and continue North. Turn left onto Hillsborough St. The Round hotel on the right.

Directions to the Sheraton

Directions to Sheraton Raleigh Hotel From Major Highways

From I-40 (east or west) and from Raleigh-Durham Airport
Take Exit 298-B (South Saunders Street). South Saunders Street becomes McDowell Street. Stay on McDowell and take a right onto Davie Street. Take right onto Salisbury Street. The Sheraton is ½ a block on the left. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From Route 64 East (Headed west into Raleigh)
Come into town on New Bern Avenue, which becomes Edenton Street. Just past the Capital Building take a left onto Salisbury Street. The Sheraton is 6 blocks down on the left. Parking deck is on the right. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From Route 70 West
Route 70 will turn into Glenwood Avenue coming into Raleigh. Take Glenwood Avenue until it meets Hillsborough Street (about 5 miles). Take a left onto Hillsborough Street. Stay on Hillsborough Street until it dead-ends into Salisbury Street. Take a right onto Salisbury St. The Sheraton is 6 blocks down on the left. Parking Deck is on the right. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From Route 1 North (Headed into Raleigh)
Take Capital Boulevard into Downtown Raleigh. Capital Boulevard becomes Dawson Street. From Dawson Street turn left onto Davie Street. From Davie, take the second right onto Salisbury Street. Hotel is ½ block down on the left. Parking deck is on the right. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From I-95 South (Headed north into Raleigh)
I-95 Junctions with I-40 in Benson, NC. Take I-40 west into Raleigh and follow directions from I-40. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

From I-95 (Headed south into Raleigh)
I-95 Junctions with both Route 1 and Route 64. Route 1 junction north of Rocky Mount. Take Route 1 south and follow directions above. Route 64 junctions in Rocky Mount. Follow 64 west and follow directions above. *To enter parking deck from hotel, take a right onto Cabarrus Street (from Salisbury) then take immediate right onto Gale Street. Sheraton Parking Deck entrance is second on the right, vertical blue sign with white letters, PARK. Parking is $2 per hr. maximum cost $12.

Parking Update -- 3 Conference Hotels

Raleigh Marriott Hotel

The Raleigh Marriott provides one parking space per guest room complimentary. Above is a map showing the location of the Marriott – the star represents the hotel, which is on Fayetteville Street (the map does not however say Fayettville Street).

Guests using the complimentary parking MUST use valet parking.

The self parking deck is managed by another company and will not accept the complimentary parking pass. If guests choose to self-park instead the fees are $12 overnight per car, and the self parking deck is on Lenoir Street right around the corner from the main entrance. Guests will be coming from Lenoir onto Fayetteville Street to get to the main entrance – which is where valet parking is. When guests check-in at the Marriott they should valet park on arrival, and they will be given their complimentary parking coupons, enough coupons will be given to guests to cover however many nights they are staying. Guests should give the valet attendant the coupon when they retrieve their cars.

If choosing self-parking guests may park their cars for a short time in front of the hotel, check-in, and then self park their car around the corner.

Raleigh Sheraton Hotel

The Sheraton hotel gives one complimentary parking space per guest room. Parking is self-parking only, no valet parking is available. The attachment shows directions to the self-parking lots.

New Clarion Hotel

Each guest will receive a parking pass to park in their attached garage upon arrival. The address is 320 Hillsborough – the entrance of the hotel goes right into the parking garage. Self-parking only, no valet parking available. Guest must NOT park in the gravel lot to the right of the building – this does not belong to the Clarion. Anyone with vehicles too large to park in the garage can park in their overflow lot (not covered), which is adjacent to the back of the hotel.

Parking at the Raleigh Marriott!! VERY IMPORTANT

Raleigh Marriott City Center
Parking for Genealogical Society

Guests of the Genealogical Society have (1) complimentary parking space per guest room.

PLEASE USE VALET PARKING.

A Valet Parking Coupon will be provided to you when
you arrive. Please give coupon to attendant when you retrieve your car. You can come and go throughout the day without incurring additional charges.

Please note that self parking fees are the guests’ responsibility at $12 overnight. In and out privileges do not apply! A new ticket and additional fees will be generated every time you leave the parking deck.

If you have any questions about this, please contact the Marriott.

Directions to the Raleigh Marriott City Center

From North
Take State Highway 1 to Capital Boulevard. Proceed on Capital Boulevard which will become Dawson Street. Turn left onto West Lenoir and then left onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From South
Take State Highway 1 to Interstate 40 East. Proceed on I-40E and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From East
Take Interstate 40 to Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From the West
Take Interstate 40 West towards Raleigh and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet Parking is on the left.

From Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Take Interstate 40 East towards Raleigh and take Exit 298B (South Saunders Street). Keep right to McDowell Street. Turn right onto West South Street and then left onto South Wilmington Street. Turn Left onto East Lenoir and then Right onto Fayetteville Street. Valet parking is on the left.

Where Am I -- an Overview of Raleigh and its Environs!

Someone mentioned that we should explain about the two beltlines that Raleigh has and that many still use terms like "inner" and "outer" in regards to directions around one of them! If this sounds confusing, it can be and after a quick look at an overview map, we hope that all will be at least clearer!


This map shows us:

• the location of the RDU airport with regard to downtown Raleigh (just west of the large green park -- Umstead) -- just off Interstate 40
• it shows the locations of Durham and Chapel Hill for anyone either participating in a planned tour to one of those locales or who has planned a visit while in the area
• it shows the major highways into and around the Raleigh area

Now let's explore the Raleigh area a little more closely!

• Interstate 40, essentially runs east-west along the south side of Raleigh (then SE to Wilmington or NW towards Asheville) -- this is the road typically used to get out to Durham and/or Chapel Hill
• Interstate 40, along the south side of Raleigh overlaps with Interstate 440 or the so-called "inner loop".
• The 440 circumnavigates Raleigh and is the circular road shown closest to city center.
• Before Interstate 540 was constructed a few years ago, directions on the 440 were always done in terms of "inner" and "outer" beltline ... inner meant that you wanted to head clock-wise and outer meant that you wanted to head counter clock-wise. When the 540 was built, did that get confusing! Signage is being removed using those terms and if you ask directions while downtown, you might hear someone mention inner and outer -- more than likely they are referring to a direction for driving and not one or the other highway.
• Raleigh now has the northern portion of an "outer loop" constructed, Interstate 540. For most of you, this will not be a road that you are traveling on and just in case you end up on it from the airport, know that it probably won't take you where you want to go.

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As someone explained to me when I first moved here and did many trips around Interstate 440 ....

"Think of the beltline as a wheel, even though it is convoluted. The inside of the wheel travels in clockwise direction, the outside of the wheel in a counter-clockwise direction. Determine the point at which you will enter the beltline and your exit point. The direction you need to go will determine whether you take the inner or outer loop. It is not as confusing as it sounds."

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CONVENTION CENTER DIRECTIONS ...

*** To reach the convention center from the south (US40) and the east (US264/64) drivers take the inner beltline (you are essentially following 40 west) to exit 298B South Saunders Street toward Downtown Raleigh. Turn right onto South Saunders Street. Stay in the right hand lane. South Saunders splits and the right lanes become McDowell Street. Turn right onto Lenoir Street. Raleigh Convention Center will be on the left. Entrance to parking is on right immediately after the turn onto Lenoir (Performing Arts Center Deck) OR one block ahead on Lenoir on left (Raleigh Marriott City Center Garage).

***Visitors from the west (US40, US64) may take the outer loop of the beltline (again you are essentially following 40 east) to exit 298B South Saunders Street toward Downtown Raleigh. Follow directions given above.

***Visitors from the north, you probably want to just take Capital Blvd (US1) south. Stay on Capital Blvd., crossing over I-440 beltine. Capital Blvd. becomes Dawson Street as you approach downtown. Go 9 blocks south on Dawson Street. Turn left onto Lenoir. Cross over McDowell Street and Raleigh Convention Center will be on the left. Entrance to parking is on right immediately after the turn onto Lenoir (Performing Arts Center Deck) OR one block ahead on Lenoir on left (Raleigh Marriott City Center Garage).

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We hope this helps you as you arrive and explore Raleigh. If not, ask any designated "Ask Me" person at the conference, check out the Raleigh booth when you first arrive (we are hoping that print maps will be available there), or stop by the Hospitality booth! We're more than happy to help you get where you want to go!

Hanging Around Raleigh -- Restaurants!

I find meals an important part of my day and I bet you do also!

While you are in Raleigh, you have a great number of restaurants to now choose from and new ones are being added almost weekly. You have everything from the very casual to fancy and much in between!

This handy map covers eating establishment from the Raleigh Convention Center north to the state capital building! I suggest you print this map out and bring it with you! Notice that the second page provides an overview of each listed restaurant giving information on price, food type, etc.

Additionally, the Visit Raleigh web-site maintains a list of over 500 restaurants, located in Raleigh and nearby communities. You can search on locale, price, food types, etc.

And, the newspaper last week announced two new downtown restaurants ...

• Busy Bee Cafe on S. Wilmington (part coffeehouse, part lunch spot, part nighttime bar),
• Rosie's Plate at 701 N. Person St. This one specializes in food for people with gluten, nut and other dietary restrictions-open Saturdays.

And, our trusty on-site Hospitality Crew will be happy to make suggestions for your dining needs!

Shopping!

SHOPPING

If I’m a spouse and/or family of an attendee of the conference, what do I do with myself during the day? Shopping is one of the activities you can do. There are some unique shops and shopping areas in Raleigh and the surrounding area along with your usual malls.

Raleigh

Cameron Village is a unique shopping area, in that it is an open-air shopping mall and was not only Raleigh's first shopping center away from downtown, but is considered the first shopping center constructed between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, Georgia. The Village opened in 1949 with three stores and one restaurant. By 1950, Cameron Village, a “town within a town,” comprised 65 stores, 112 business or professional offices, 566 apartment units, and 100 private homes. Today, Cameron Village is a mix of eclectic boutiques, upscale chain stores, restaurants, antique stores, a regional public library, service-oriented shops, grocers and residential. Cameron Village is located at 1900 Cameron Street. Their website is www.shopsofcameronvillage.com/

Glenwood South is another unique area, which has a historic designation, that has shopping (including boutiques, antique stores, art galleries and more), restaurants, nightlife and residential. Glenwood South's Northern boundary is West Peace Street. From there, the neighborhood runs East to Dawson Street, West to St. Mary's Street and South to Morgan Street. If you are staying in a downtown hotel you can hop on an R-Line bus to get here instead of driving.

North Hills was originally opened in 1965 as one of the first indoor malls in the Southeast. Eventually, the mall was demolished in 2003 with the exception of JC Penney to turn it into an outdoor village concept. This shopping center is anchored by Penney’s, REI and Target and also has a mix of fashion boutiques, an art gallery, an upscale hotel, offices, a multi-screen movie theatre and restaurants.

Across the street from North Hills is a shopping area called The Lassiter. The Lassiter is anchored by a Harris Teeter and Kerr Drug along with a mix of upscale boutiques, restaurants and residential. Both North Hills and The Lassiter are at the intersection of Six Forks and Lassiter Mill Roads. The website for the two centers is http://www.northhillsraleigh.com/

Crabtree Valley Mall was built 35 years ago and is one of the largest malls in the Southeast United States. Crabtree is anchored by Hudson Belk, Sears and Macy’s. Along with the anchor stores there are over 200 chain stores, hair salons, food court vendors, service-oriented shops and restaurants. Their website is: http://www.crabtree-valley-mall.com/ and is located at 4325 Glenwood Avenue.

Brier Creek Commons is a shopping area which is anchored by BJ’s, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods, with over 70 stores, restaurants and a multi-screen movie theatre. Their website is: http://www.shopbriercreekcommons.com/. Across the street from Brier Creek Commons is another shopping area known as Brier Creek Shopping Center which is anchored by a Super Wal-Mart and Kohl’s along with chain restaurants and service-oriented shops. Both of these are located at the intersection of Highway 70 and Brier Creek Parkway.

Triangle Towne Center & Commons is a recent addition to our shopping. It is anchored by Hudson Belk, Sears, Macy’s, Dillard’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Along with the anchor stores there is your usual mix of chain stores, hair salons, food court vendors and restaurants. The mall is located at 5959 Triangle Town Boulevard and the website is: http://www.triangletowncenter.com/

Cary

Cary Towne Center is the mall in the western part of Wake County and is anchored by Macy’s, Hudson Belk, Sears, Dillard’s and JC Penney. In addition to the anchor stores, the mall has approximately 140 other chain stores, food court vendors, restaurants and service-oriented shops. The mall is located at 1105 Walnut Street and the website is http://www.shopcarytownecentermall.com/.

Crossroads Plaza has over 70 stores (such as: REI, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Stein Mart, Old Navy, Toys R Us) and approximately 15 food court vendors and restaurants. The Plaza is located on Walnut Street and the website is: http://www.shopcrossroadsplaza.com/.

Durham

The Streets at Southpoint is anchored by Hudson Belk, JC Penney, Macy’s, Sears and the first Nordstrom’s in North Carolina. In addition to the anchor stores, there are 140 chain stores, food court vendors, restaurants, service-oriented shops and a multi-screen theatre. The mall is located at 6910 Fayetteville Road and the website is http://www.streetsatsouthpoint.com/.

Outlet Shopping

North Carolina is lucky to have a great outlet shopping experience. Carolina Premium Outlet is located in Smithfield, which is approximately a 45 minute drive from Raleigh. The center has a great collection of stores, such as, Liz Claiborne, Nike, and Polo Ralph Lauren, just to name a few. The center is located at 1025 Industrial Park Drive and the website is http://www.premiumoutlets.com/.

.... and, if mall shopping isn't your "bag" ... check out this link to Visit Raleigh with suggestions for other types of shopping!

Of course there are more shopping opportunities than are listed here, but this is just to get you started.

If You Are Using Your RV For The Conference -- Read This!

NGS Conference Alternate Lodging
RV Parking at the NC State Fairgrounds info

Conveniently located 5.6 miles from the Convention Center, the charge is $25 a night for full hook up. 30 & 50 amp available. (No club discounts available)

I have blocked out the dates from May 10th to May 17th for anyone wanting to come in early to work at the NC State Archives. If anyone wants to stay after the conference you can do that....There is a two week parking limit.

Once you are there, you bypass the "first come first serve" rule of individual reservations. There s public transportation (bus) from the fairgrounds to the Convention for $4.00 round trip.

The cutoff date for reservations is May 1st 2009 as I have to give the fairgrounds a head count.

For further information or to reserve a space please contact me.
Carolyn Putterman
[email protected]

For further information on the NC State Fairgrounds, check out: http://www.ncstatefair.org/facilities/rvaccess.htm

Taxis -- Airport and Raleigh

With many of you flying in and/or wanting to get about town -- a taxi may be needed while you are attending the conference.

1. Remember that Elite Coach (responsible for transportation for the various pre-conference tours) is offering a special on its services
2. Transportation from RDU Airport to the Sheridan, Marriott Hotels and the Raleigh Convention Center can be pre-booked online with several providers. The Marriott Hotel staff recommended Blue Van Super Shuttle, and the Sheridan staff suggested both Blue Van Super Shuttle and the White Horse Transportation, Inc.

• The Blue Van Super Shuttle company quoted a price of $16 per person, one way, to the Convention Center and those two hotels. 1-800-258-3826 (1-800-Blue Van). Note: This company is not RideFly. The folks at Blue Van Supershuttle strongly suggest calling them instead of online booking to avoid confusion in website information.


• White Horse Transportation quoted $35 for one person and $5 per additional person. 919-782-5893.


• Ride Fly is another provider. Their prices are $29 per person, one way or they have group rates. Example: a party of four would be transported for $59.


• Other taxi companies that were called quoted prices in the $30-$40 range or declined to provide a specific amount. RDU suggests "typical" one-way fares to assist you.


• Visit Raleigh also provides some information on local taxi services -- note that this list is incomplete though will be helpful if you use taxis once in Raleigh.

Depending on your group size you might find White Horse Transportation less expensive. There may also be a difference in the vehicles they use. Take a look online and judge for yourself.

(by: Maryann Tuck & Diane Richard)

Visiting the NC Archives -- Part IV -- DO YOUR HOMEWORK

If you really want to make the most of a visit to the North Carolina State Archives, we suggest that, if at all possible, you do some homework before you arrive in Raleigh -- this will let you know what is and is not available and allow you to make the best use of your time at the facility!

MARS Catalog ...

For anyone planning a visit to the North Carolina State Archives, a preliminary search using the online MARS (Manuscript and Archives Reference System) Catalog may provide detailed descriptions of records pertaining to your research and expedite your time accessing records once you arrive at the Search Room. A link to the MARS Catalog is available on the website. The system allows patrons the ability to browse collections from the comfort of their home and hopefully confirm that the North Carolina Archives has records beneficial to their family research.

When you click on the link and launch the MARS or Encompass system, you will be directed to the “Browse/Basic Search” page and should find a screen with twenty-three folders or collections that you may search. Before you begin a search, you may want to browse the collection titles by clicking the view description image (lower case “i” in a circle) to the right of the collection name and then select the “view relationships” image. This will show the hierarchical arrangement of the record group, series, and items that are currently cataloged in MARS. You may also browse the collections and find helpful record descriptions at the series or item level. By selecting the folder image beside the collection or record group title, you may also find descriptive information about each series or items within the collection.

After you browsed the collections you can select one, several or all collections to search for a specific family name, geographical location, subject or keyword. Simply type your query into the blank space next to the “search” image and click the “search” button. Be sure to check the specific collection or collections you want to search or click the “select all” button to avoid overlooking a collection. After the search is complete, the Results Summary page should appear with the collection title on the left and the number of hits listed on the right. Then select the hits image to view the list and then select the “view description” image for a description of the record. If you found a record that may be helpful in your research, either print the page and bring it with you on your visit to the NC Archives or write down the title of the record along with the MARS ID number and the call number. The Search Room staff will need the call number to locate the actual record; however the MARS ID number would be helpful in the retrieval process. Also note that you may search and view scanned images of original records, such as 1885 Confederate pension applications and some estate records, land and Governor’s papers from the colonial era. Of course putting images of original records, such as marriage bonds, in a searchable online database is an ongoing project of the archives, so be on the lookout for new additions to the MARS catalog.

Please note that the MARS Catalog does not include descriptions of every item in the custody of the North Carolina, so do not be discouraged if your search does not yield any results. [Editor's note -- there is a physical card catalog and other print research aids available in the search room.] Nevertheless the catalog still has an immense number of collections to search and can sometimes seem slow and cumbersome. The Archives is currently looking into updating the database system to one with more storage space for digital images and faster search time. But if you are patient and spend time becoming familiar with the MARS Catalog, you will be better prepared and knowledgeable of the vast collection of records at the North Carolina State Archives.

Record Types Link ...

Another way to get familiar with the North Carolina Archives before making a visit would be to peruse the website. One item that genealogy researchers should take note of is the information regarding county records under the “Record Types” link. Since the vast majority of court and probate records are kept together by the county in which the record was filed, one would need to know the primary county of residence of a family before delving into these records. On the webpage is a link to the Guide to Research Materials in the North Carolina State Archives: County Records. It is a list of records from 106 current and defunct counties that are available to our researchers. Also available are links to container lists for wills and estates from a few of our counties, as well as definitions of the types of county records in our custody.

Services Link ...

Anyone planning a visit should review the “Services” link on the website because it explains the access and security procedures for the search room.

The “Services” link contains another link to “Archival Information Circulars” which provide helpful guidelines on some popular resources at the North Carolina State Archives.

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In the event that your questions have not been answered, feel free to contact the North Carolina Archives staff by phone at 919-807-7310 or email us at [email protected]. If you send an inquiry by email, please note in the subject heading “NGS visitor” so that your question gets forwarded to one of the reference archivists.

Please note that you can learn more about electronic resources maintained by the North Carolina Archives and Library and attend the conference class “Genealogy 2.0: Using Digital Tools to Trace Your North Carolina Roots” scheduled for Wednesday, May 13th at 7:00p.m.

Thank you for your interest in visiting the North Carolina State Archives and we look forward to meeting and assisting you in person.

Handicap Parking in Raleigh

Recognizing that some conference attendees will be using cars and possibly Handicap parking placards, here is a bit of information about Handicap parking in Raleigh.

1. If you have a Handicap parking placard and park in a metered spot, you can park for the entire day for free. IMPORTANT NOTE: these spots go early as there is currently no time limit for how long a car with a Handicap placard may remain in such a spot.

2. The parking decks do have designated Handicap parking spots -- you will be charged the going hourly/daily rate for that parking deck.

3. As far as the Convention Center goes -- The decks that are located nearby have Handicap parking on street level with ease of access to the Convention Center. There is also parking on the street around the convention center (see #1 above).

What an Awesome Week to Visit Raleigh!!!

There are a number of wonderful cultural events being offered in May the week of the NGS Conference! Whether you are interested in fine dining, theater, music or art, Raleigh has something for almost everyone.

Artsplosure - The Raleigh Arts Festival 2009

Artsplosure's spring arts festival is one of North Carolina's most acclaimed and well attended outdoor arts festivals, attracting more than 70,000 people annually to Moore Square Park in downtown Raleigh. The event is free to the public and features more than 250 visual and performing artists. It is scheduled this year on May 16 & 17, from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

(Photo: C. Biondi) For more details: http://www.artsplosure.org/

Theatre in the Park

Presents: Romeo & Juliet

Theatre in the Park will stage a special production of Shakespeare's ROMEO & JULIET,
featuring Evan Rachel Wood and Justin Long on May 15 - 17, 2009.

For tickets and additional information: http://www.theatreinthepark.com/

2009 Triangle Restaurant Week: From traditional southern cook'n to global cuisine, Restaurant Week is proud to feature some of the established favorites as well as new restaurants which have opened up over the past year!

Participating restaurants are offering fixed priced, three-course meals including an appetizer, an entree and dessert for just $15.00 for lunch, and $25.00 for dinner. Reservations are not necessary, but are recommended!

For a listing of participating restaurants and additional informations, call (919) 673-3974 or

visit http://www.trirestaurantweek.com/

Art in the Evening:

North Carolina Museum of Art

Unwind with us! On Fridays linger with soft jazz and a glass of wine from our lobby wine bar before the film series. Enjoy free docent-led tours at 6:30pm and stroll through the galleries.

One of the premier visual arts museums in the Southeast, featuring a collection spanning 5,000 years, from classical to contemporary. The Museum Restaurant and Store complete your visit. For more information call (919) 715-5923

or visit http://www.ncartmuseum.org/

Carolina Bluegrass Music Festival 2 : Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Featuring lively bluegrass music and 5 Grammy nominated national bluegrass acts including: The Del McCoury Band, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Tony Rice Unit, IIIrd Tyme Out, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Al Batten & the Bluegrass Reunion, and No Strings Attached.

For tickets and information :

(919) 462-2025

http://www.carolinabluegrassfestival.com/

North Carolina Museum of History -- Update -- New Exhibits!

With the conference fast approaching -- it's time to give you an update on what exhibits will be at the NC Museum of History in May!


Free Exhibits ....


ELECTED TO SERVE: NORTH CAROLINA’S GOVERNORS


This exhibit offers an insightful look at nearly 300 years of gubernatorial history. The state’s foremost leader has always faced challenges, from pirate encounters during colonial times to today’s budget concerns. Many twists and turns along the way have left a colorful history.


It explores how governors have shaped our state and improved Tar Heel life in areas such as agriculture, industry and education. The exhibit also highlights the contributions of several first ladies to North Carolina. Additional sections focus on political campaigns, voting and inaugural traditions.

EVERYDAY ARTISTRY


For centuries, many people in North Carolina made what they needed with what they had on hand. They transformed flour-sack cloth into clothing, tobacco twine into crocheted bedspreads, local wood into household furniture, and other available materials into useful items. Sometimes they adorned their creations with decorative embellishments.

This exhibit showcases a variety of utilitarian, yet decorative, items made by North Carolinians. Spanning three centuries, the exhibit features more than 50 items ranging from handcrafted furniture and toys to kitchen utensils and a variety of quilts.



MUSEUM SLEUTHS: WHATCHAMACALLITS AND THINGAMAJIGS

An 8-year-old accompanies her mother to an antique shop, and she spies an odd-looking contraption. “What’s this?” she asks, while reaching for a 1960s record player. Before you know it, items like record players or rotary-dial phones become objects of mystery for the next generation.
This exhibit spotlights a selection of unusual items that will befuddle or bemuse you. It features 21 objects from the museum’s collection of more than 150,000 artifacts. This small exhibit includes items ranging from a large object shaped like an elephant’s trunk to a gadget resembling a miniature water tower. Try to guess the identity of each one before revealing the answer. However, this may be quite a challenge because some artifacts date to the 1700s.


Paid Admission Required ....


KNIGHTS of the BLACK FLAG

Marauders. Plunderers. Bloodthirsty sea-thieves. Whatever their name, pirates have wreaked havoc on the high seas since waterway travel began. This exhibit will explore the legacy of pirates, from ancient times to the present, through intriguing artifacts, legends and history that bring their ruthless adventures to life.

It traces the history of piracy from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome through today’s pirates in Somalia. Artifacts, some dating to the early centuries A.D., represent tangible links to a violent past.

Central to the story are the fearless exploits of sword-wielding, pistol-toting characters such as Stede Bonnet, Anne Bonny, Mary Read and the most famous of all — Blackbeard. Hundreds of artifacts, including cannons, a ship’s bell and gold dust, will be on view from the Queen Anne’s Revenge, the shipwreck discovered at Beaufort Inlet in 1996. Blackbeard and his crew terrorized victims along North Carolina’s coast from this ship that ran aground in 1718. Amid tools, diving equipment, and videos of underwater archaeologists at the shipwreck site, visitors witness the discovery, excavation and conservation of one of the largest pirate ships ever to sail in the Spanish Main.

The exhibit allows young visitors to step inside a pirate’s life, to handle pirate weapons, to capture ships and try on pirate clothes. They can watch for pirates from the crow’s nest, defend their ship from a pirate attack, and experience firsthand what it is like to be a pirate.

Ticket and Group Tour Information -- Admission is free for ages 18 and under. The fee is $5 for ages 19 and up; $4 for senior citizens, active military personnel and adult groups of 10 or more.

NOTE: This exhibit will be open (free of charge) for those attending the Dessert Reception at the museum on Thursday, May 14th!


~~~~~~~~~~~


Check here for a complete overview of the current exhibits.

All images courtesy of the North Carolina Museum of History.

Don't Miss Visiting the NC Archives and State Library of NC! Part III -- HOURS

This continues a series of pieces about the NC archives (and in this case, the State Library of North Carolina also since they will be open at the same times during NGS 2009)! If you have ancestors who lived in or migrated through NC, you want to check out the wonderful collection of original documents held at this facility!

Genealogical Research in the North Carolina State Archives and State Library of North Carolina -- Part III -- HOURS

In anticipation of the NGS 2009 conference, the NC Archives will be open extended hours to accomodate conference attendees. The schedule is as follows ....

• Saturday, May 9 -- 9am-5pm (NO closure at lunchtime)
• Sunday, May 10 -- CLOSED
• Monday, May 11 -- 8am-6pm (Archives not normally open on Mondays -- special access for conference attendees)
• Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, May 12, 13 & 15 -- 8am-6pm
• Thursday, May 14 -- 8am-9pm (the only evening that the archives will be open -- corresponds with the Dessert reception at the North Carolina Museum -- these are across the street from one another)
• Saturday, May 16 -- 9am-5pm (NO closure at lunchtime)

Don't Miss Visiting the NC Archives! Part II

This continues a series of pieces about the NC archives! If you have ancestors who lived in or migrated through NC, you want to check out the wonderful collection of original documents held at this facility!

Genealogical Research in the North Carolina State Archives -- Part II

The previous piece talked about County Records -- let's look at other record groups held by the archives ...

1. State Level Records

There are black notebooks that contain finding aids for all the state agencies in the search room near the card catalog. These finding aids describe the agency and give you call numbers for requesting the records. There are card files for a few of the larger and more useful series within certain agencies, such as General Assembly records, which are even more precisely described.

Secretary of State is one of the largest of the state agencies and certainly the most useful for the genealogical researchers. The collection contains numerous types of records. Land grants, tax lists, and wills and estates prior to 1798 are probably the most helpful. One of these series deserves special mention--the Secretary of State Land Grants. These records, which are simply deeds in which the grantor is the state or the crown, are being filmed and made available on microfilm in the microfilm room. Currently we have microfilm for Alamance County through the first part of Wilkes County. Few land grants have any genealogical information on them at all, although they are invaluable for tracing land.

State Auditor records--Civil War pensions is probably the most valuable series in this record group because it contains two groups of pension applications made by Civil War veterans and/or their widows in 1885 and 1901. The names of these veterans are on MARS. There are also hard copy indices of all the men or their widows who received pensions under both laws.

2. Federal Level Records

The Archives has some of the microfilmed federal records because they are invaluable to genealogists. They include the federal census records for 1790-1930 and all are indexed either in hard copy or microfilm. The Archives also has the military service records of soldiers, marines, and sailors that served in the Confederacy and a few records of the Revolution.

3. Military Records

Military records are of great interest to genealogists and they tend to appear at almost all levels of government--county, state and federal.

Colonial wars and militia returns are records which primarily include lists of men serving in the militia for various periods and include the Spanish Invasion of 1742-1748, Frontier Scouting and Indian Wars 1758-1788, War of the Regulation 1768-1779. The records are not complete.

Revolutionary War--Most of the records of this war are located at the National Archives (i.e. service, pension). The Archives has some Army Account books which list men and amounts of money paid them. These lists give no other information and do not necessarily indicate service as a soldier; they may prove patriotic service. The Archives also has some pay vouchers on microfilm, which give a name, amount of money paid, and sometimes the reason for the payment.

War of 1812--Muster rolls and pay vouchers

Mexican War-- Roster of troops that has been published and is available in the search room

Civil War-- A roster of Confederate troops is currently being compiled by Historic Publications called North Carolina Troops and so far 16 volumes have been published and are available in the search room. This roster is complete only to the 68th regiment, as well as Thomas’ Legion, but is very thorough for those regiments. In compiling the roster, the editors are using newspapers, muster and pay rolls, service records as well as other sources available in the Archives’ Civil War collection. Included in the State Auditor’s records are Confederate pension records. Also previously mentioned are the service records of Confederate soldiers on microfilm, as are the records of some of the Federal prisons that held Confederate prisoners of war, such as Point Lookout, MD, and Elmira, NY. The Civil War Collection includes a large array of records, all unindexed and somewhat tedious to access, such as muster rolls, clothing allowances, regimental records, some reminiscences and various other types of records. A large, detailed finding aid is available in the search room.

Spanish-American War--A roster of troops has been published and is in the search room.

The Archives has some material for more modern wars and detailed finding aids are available in the Search Room.

The important thing about wars is that they are generally financed and run by the national governing body rather than the state so the National Archives or the military are the most likely places to have custody of these records. The Confederacy, of course, was the financing body for the South in the Civil War but their records were confiscated by the federals when they took Richmond, making their records part of the national body of records. There may be auxiliary records at the state and local levels but the bulk of the records are created and maintained at the federal level.

4. Additional types of records useful to genealogists

Colonial Court Records--These records cover the period 1680-1767 and are some of the oldest, and certainly most significant, records in the Archives. There are a few records from the 1670s and 80s, but starting with 1694 they are pretty complete. There are estates records from 1665-1775 and there is a list of the intestates in the search room. Many of these records have been published in the State and Colonial Records series, the latter of which is now available on line at UNC’s website.

District Superior Court Records--These records cover the periods 1760-1772, 1778-1806. NC was divided into five districts each having its own independent court. These courts maintained jurisdiction over civil actions involving values over 50 as well as criminal actions in which punishment could involve loss of life or member. The districts were Edenton, Halifax, New Bern, Salisbury, and Wilmington. Hillsborough was added in 1768 and after 1778 additional districts were added as they were needed. In 1806 superior courts were added to every county in the state and District Superior Courts were closed.

Private Collections—The North Carolina State Archives is unusual in having over 1800 private collections, that is, collections of private papers of individuals, primarily those papers of people of importance in North Carolina’s history. These include the private papers of governors, legislators, prominent land owners, as well as papers that deal with events important to the development of North Carolina, such as diaries and letters of soldiers. The collections are described in the Guide to Private Manuscript Collections in the North Carolina State Archives compiled and edited by Barbara T. Cain.

Church records are primarily on microfilm and relatively few in number but can be invaluable to the genealogist. There is a card file finding aid in the microfilm room. Obviously, for most genealogists the most valuable records are membership rolls which sometimes indicate births to and deaths of members. For the most part, however, the reels in the microfilm room are church minutes.

Newspapers--These records are on microfilm and include defunct newspapers in North Carolina. Newspapers are very valuable for the information they contain on their society and obituary pages. They also cover events held in a town or county and may mention participants. Unfortunately they are unindexed.

... the next installment will talk about what hours the NC Archives will be open, how to make the most of online resources in advance of your visit, etc !

In the meantime, to learn more about the NC Archives, visit it's web-site!

Parking in Downtown Raleigh!

Parking in Raleigh has never been easier!

Just a few years ago it would have been so much harder. Most of the new construction downtown has been accompanied by the building of new and large parking decks scattered throughout the downtown area!

The new Convention Center has it's own parking deck and the Cabarrus Deck is very close by. Directions for getting to the Convention Center and Raleigh Marriott City Center Garage can be found here.

Street parking is more challenging to find and do watch out for the meter running out. Parking inspectors are very vigilant! Meters are enforced Meters are enforced from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday, except for statutory holidays.

And, parking in Raleigh is not expensive ... the lot in front of the NC Archives charges $1/hour up to an $8 maximum. The other lots run from $1-$3 (typical - the convention center deck)/hour with a $12 maximum. Here is the full rate sheet.

For an overview of the locations of the parking decks, check out this map [now a new link & new map!].

And, with the new R-1 circulator service, you can park further from the Convention Center and yet still have convenient access to it.

Traveling Around Downtown Raleigh is Easier Than Ever!!!

Raleigh has introduced a new FREE Circulator Bus Loop! The R-Line.

This is so exciting since it will make it easier than ever for conference attendees to get around downtown, especially for evening dining, visiting the archives and museums and participating in the planned Thursday evening events!

The circulator will run during the following hours:

Mon-Wed Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thu-Sat Hours: 7:00 AM - 2:15 AM

Sun Hours: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The route will be served by two buses and the service will run every 10-12 minutes.

Check out this map to get a sense of the lay of the land from an aerial perspective ...

• the dirt pits at the bottom is where the convention center and hotel are
• go north and you will see the Capitol building surrounded by it's gardens
• just north of the Capitol building are the Science and History museum buildings
• kitty-corner from the History museum building is where the NC Archives and State Library of NC are located
• the western edge of the loop is Glenwood south -- many restaurants are located along this stretch (as well as long Fayetteville Street, right outside the conference hotel)
• off the eastern evening route addition you are near Moore Square/City Market -- more options for dining

And, this map shows the circulator route, key buildings and where all the downtown parking lots and decks are!

And, now you can view a Google Map of Circulator Route!

So, if you were worried that you would need to walk, now you'll be able to just hop a bus!

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.

Don't Miss Visiting the NC Archives! Part I

This begins a series of pieces about the NC archives! If you have ancestors who lived in or migrated through NC, you want to check out the wonderful collection of original documents held at this facility!

Genealogical Research in the North Carolina State Archives -- Part I


The North Carolina State Archives is one of the largest and busiest state archives in the country. On average, about 9, 000 patrons visit in a year. Researchers request over 20, 000 boxes of original documents, use around 30, 000 reels of microfilm, and receives over 6, 000 phone calls each year. The Archives maintains custody of over 100 million original documents, over 500, 000 reels of microfilm and over a million photographic negatives.

In over 10 miles of stacks, the North Carolina State Archives maintains the official, original records of the state and its various entities. Housed at the Archives, then, are, among others, state agency and county records. The most used records of those in Archives custody are the county records which fall into nine categories.

County Records

1) Bonds—include several different types and are generally arranged by date

2) Census--few county copies survive but there are some lists that perform much the same function as the federal census for periods prior to 1790 when the first federal census was taken. The so-called “corn lists” of the period 1714-1716 list colonists who were taxed for provisions during the Tuscarora War. These lists are in the tax lists of the Colonial Court Records (CCR 190) and are for the northeastern coastal counties, which was the settled part of NC at that time. Additionally, a census of sorts was taken in the colony during the years 1741-1752. It has been printed in the Winter, 1966 volume of the Journal of North Carolina Genealogy on pages 1759-1769. This list is actually one of headrights, and indicates the number of white persons in a household (with the exception of part of 1741 when whites and blacks in one household were added together) but serves much the same purpose as a census.

3) Court records--Pleas and Quarter sessions, Superior--These records are usually arranged chronologically. Though tedious to read, one of the best sources of information on our ancestors is court records, especially county court minutes. They contain a wealth of information. An ancestor should never be isolated from the time period in which he lived. Containing extraordinary details about the community, there is no better way to understand the period than by reading the court minutes.

With regard to court cases, which are often very detailed in information about individuals, several things should be realized. The actual transcripts of trials were almost never saved. Only occasionally does a case include such valuable documents and this is more likely to have happened if the case was appealed to a higher court. In addition to the court dockets and minutes, loose civil or criminal action papers should be checked for accompanying documents. Careful attention should be paid to any actions of the court in a particular case. A change of venue indicates that the researcher must begin looking in another county for information. An appeal means the researcher must look in the records of higher court, perhaps even the North Carolina Supreme Court.

4) Land records--the deed books themselves, for the most part, remain in the county although the Archives has microfilm copies of them and the indices--these records are generally arranged chronologically

5) Estate records--loose estate records, the 508 series are arranged alphabetically, as is the 510 series of guardian records, everything else, such as inventory or account volumes, is arranged chronologically.

6) Marriage records and Vital Statistics--From 1741-1868 these would be in the form of bonds. A couple was not required to take out a bond and most did not. The alternative was to go to church and get married after the banns had been called three successive weeks. A Bible record, newspaper account, or privately-held certificate might be the only proof document that remains. After 1868 NC began requiring certification of marriages at the county level and, for the most part, those licenses are on microfilm.

Vital records include birth and death records and NC did not keep them before 1913. Copies of each certificate were filed with the county and the state. The Archives has many county indices to vital records on microfilm but not the certificates themselves. The indices are part of the county microfilm and provide a book and page number so that the document can be requested from the county register of deeds. The Archives has state copies of death certificates for Oct., 1913-1975. They are available for researchers in the microfilm room of the search room. The indices can be searched using the Soundex code and are available on film. For death certificates after 1975 and all birth certificates check with Vital Records Office or the office of the register of deeds of the county in which the event took place.

7) Tax records--often a wide variety of tax records, primarily in the form of lists. Tax laws were quite complex and really need to be studied if a thorough understanding of taxation is to be gained. For the researcher’s benefit all tax records have been listed on cards in the card catalog in the search room, therefore, the researcher will find Treasurer’s and Comptroller’s, Governor’s Office, Secretary of State and General Assembly (formerly called Legislative Papers) tax lists for certain counties in the county records section of the card catalog, along with any county tax lists. Microfilm should be checked for tax records that may not be in the original county records.

8) Wills--The Archives has loose, original wills, although clerks were supposed to copy the text into a will book as well. The will books, for the most part, remain in the county and the Archives has microfilm copies. All of the pre-1900 wills in the Archives are indexed in a volume by Dr. Thornton Mitchell called North Carolina Wills: A Testator Index, 1663-1900. This book is only an index and does not provide the researcher with a call number for requesting a particular will.

9) Miscellaneous records—this category refers to a large group of records that do not fall into any of the other categories or only appear in a few counties’ records. They may include records related to elections, ferries, schools, mills, slaves and many others.

... the next installment will talk about State Records, Military Records and other records of interest to genealogists!

In the meantime, to learn more about the NC archives, visit it's web-site!

Capital Area Greenway -- if you want to step outside a bit during the conference!

Though we know that you are coming to Raleigh for the conference, sometimes one just wants some fresh air and not just see nature through the expansive windows of the Convention Center!

The Capital Area Greenway system is a network of public open spaces and recreational trails which provide for activities such as walking, jogging, hiking, bird watching, nature study, fishing, picnicking and outdoor fun. The trails connect many of Raleigh’s parks and in many cases provide a compliment to the recreational activities at the parks. Many of the city’s major ecological features can be experienced in their natural state along the Greenway. Currently, the Greenway is a 54 mile – 3000 acre system and continues to grow.

You can access a map of the system.

From the Convention Center, you are just a couple of blocks from Optimist Park (#27 on the Greenway map) with easy access to the downtown leg of the Greenway.

And, if you have your car and are a bit more adventure- some, my favorite trail is the one that circum- navigates Lake Lynn (#19 on the Greenway map). It is a two mile trail that hugs the lake -- along the boardwalks you see several varieties of ducks, geese and other fowl, and in the warmer months you see turtles basking in the sun and other wildlife!

Via the Captial Area Greenway system you can quickly and easily seek the quiet and beauty of nature.

Meet our New Convention Center! Part III

Here are some photos from opening day showing the Ballroom! Future posts will show off other areas of this wonderful new facility!

Come and visit it personally in May 2009!

Planned Local Event #2 -- Segway Tours

Segway Tours

Tuesday, May 12th 11:00a or 2:00p
Cost: $35 per person per tour

You’ve seen them on TV and watched police and city commuters ride them, now experience the fun and ease of riding a Segway (a self-balancing personal transporter), for yourself. After adequate training and practice time, we’ll glide around downtown Raleigh, listening to our tour guide tell stories about the various historic homes and government buildings we pass. Participants must be at least 18 years old, less than 260 lbs. and have the ability to stand for at least an hour. Helmet and bottled water are provided. We’ll depart from the conference center 45 min. before each tour begins and walk a few blocks to Triangle Segway for our training time. After the tour, we’ll walk the few blocks back to the conference center.

Meet our New Convention Center! Part II

Here are some photos from opening day showing the large convention center exhibit hall! Future posts will show off other areas of this wonderful new facility!

Come and visit it personally in May 2009!

Meet our New Convention Center!

Several of the local planning committee visited the New Convention Center (home of NGS 2009) on it's opening day! Here are some photos from that day showing the main entrance area/lobby! Future posts will show off other areas of this wonderful new facility!

Come and visit it personally in May 2009!

Planned Local Event #1 -- Raleigh Trolley Tours

Now that the details of our exciting "local events" have been finalized -- it's time for us to share them with you! Let's start with the tours aboard Raleigh's historic Trolley!

Raleigh Historic Day Tour

Tuesday, May 12th
9:30a-3:30p
Cost: $45 per person (lunch on own)

You’ll leave the convention center aboard a historic trolley and have a guided tour of several downtown Raleigh sites.

• Joel Lane House with its authentic 18th century garden, is the oldest dwelling in Raleigh.


• Mordecai Historic Park includes the Mordecai House, President Andrew Johnson’s birthplace, St. Mark’s Chapel, and other historic buildings and gardens.


• Lunch on your own in Raleigh’s Historic City Market


• Historic Oakwood Cemetery, the final resting place of 2,800 Confederate Soldiers, five Civil War generals, seven governors and many others. A cemetery historian will share colorful stories about their lives.

Raleigh Evening Orientation Tours
Tuesday, May 12th
4:00p-5:15p, 5:20p-6:35p or 6:40p-7:55p
Cost: $15 per person per tour

Ride the historic trolley and learn your way around downtown Raleigh. Discover how conveniently close you are to the State Archives, restaurants, shops, museums and art galleries. A tour guide will point out landmarks and tell colorful stories about historic downtown. Each tour lasts approx. 1 hour 15 min. Includes choice of sitting or standing. Drop off and pick up at conference center only.

What's With the Acorn?

"Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" and often is described as "a park with a city in it." Trees planted at the city's inception still provide cooling shade for visitors to Moore Square Park..."

To honor this moniker, for the City of Raleigh's bicentennial celebration in 1992, John Watkins conceived the idea of a giant acorn and persuaded local businesses to cover the cost for it's design and creation by sculptor David Benson.

Some acorn stats ...
+ 1,250 pounds
+ 10 feet tall
+ copper and steel
+ rests in Moore square except on New Years eve

For 16 First Night celebrations (since the Bicentennial of Raleigh in 1992), the acorn has been lowered from a crane at the stroke of midnight to signal the dawning of the New Year

Check out some other Raleigh, Fun Facts!

Why come to Raleigh?

Why should you come to Raleigh in May 2009?

The weather is great. The average daytime highs are in the mid- to upper-70s.

The dogwood trees and rhododendron plants are in bloom, painting the city with color.

You can network with hundreds of genealogists who are also coming to the conference.

The conference is held in the middle of North Carolina history. Enjoy being close to many archival repositories just waiting for you to explore their collections. (Read about the many research opportunities on this blog.)

North Carolina barbeque - need we say more?!

Indulge yourself with four days of genealogy lectures by nationally-known speakers.

Enjoy world-class museums, many within walking distance of the convention center.

Stroll through an exhibit hall filled with vendors offering a wide variety of genealogy products and services.

Heartbeat of Raleigh -- Its Renaissance -- Fayetteville Street

Fayetteville Street in Raleigh (just a block over from the Convention Center where the conference will be held) is the central thoroughfare of Raleigh and reflects the history of this capital city!

In an attempt to re-energize this thoroughfare in the 1970s, the street was closed to traffic and converted to a pedestrian mall in an attempt to revitalize the downtown area.

The lack of success of this project resulted in a return to vehicular traffic in 2006, and was celebrated as part of Raleigh Wide-Open, a now annual event!

Read about the history of this street leading up to its renaissance!

When you are here for NGS 2009, you'll get to see for yourself how successful the project has been as you enjoy the sights, sounds, restaurants and businesses that now line this exciting street that connects the Capitol Building at the northern end to the Progress Performing Arts Center at the southern end.

The Raleigh Convention Center

The much-anticipated Raleigh Convention Center opened in the fall of 2008. The 500,000 square foot building will be an impressive backdrop for the NGS Conference in the States in May 2009. The convention center boasts high-tech capabilities such as state-of-the-art lighting and sound in each room and wireless internet access throughout the building.

The lobby welcomes visitors with floor-to-ceiling windows. The street level mezzanine offers easy access to all areas of the center and to the attached Raleigh Marriott City Center hotel. The spacious reception area will be an ideal location to meet friends and network with fellow genealogists.

For those who are driving to the conference, there is a 900-space attached parking garage plus more than 4,000 parking spaces within a 2-block radius of the center.

Exciting Art Exhibitions -- May 2009 -- Artspace!

Exciting exhibitions planned for May 2009 at Artspace!

Gallery One will host an exhibition by Michigan artist Sarah Lindley, opening May 1, 2009. Lindley’s exhibition will present recent porcelain work reminiscent of roll top desks, trunks, chests of drawers, and cabinets. While normally these items are designed to protect, organize, and display their contents, Lindley reduces the forms to systems and structure – essentially skeletal forms – incapable of function. The function is defied further by the fragile nature of the material (porcelain) from which they have been created.

Gallery Two will present the work of our Artspace Summer Arts Program instructors. This exhibition, opening May 16, 2009, will feature works for sale by the many talented professional artists who join us each summer to teach visual arts to children and adults. Proceeds from art sales benefit the Artspace Summer Arts Program scholarship fund.

Additional exhibitions will be located in the Upfront Gallery, lobby, and hallways throughout the building.

Always check the Artspace web-site for information about all current exhibitions and special events.

Come be inspired at Artspace!

Artspace is a one-of-a-kind nonprofit visual art center dedicated to providing inspiring and engaging arts education and community outreach programs, creating a dynamic open studio environment of professional artists, and presenting nationally acclaimed exhibitions. Since 1986, Artspace has been Raleigh’s visual art center providing the community with the opportunity to interact with working artists and participate in hands-on arts education.

The building is open to the public Tuesday - Saturday from 10am-6pm and 10am-10pm on the first Friday of each month. Admission is free and donations are appreciated.

A Historic Space
Located just blocks away from the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh’s City Market, the Artspace facility was built in 1911 to serve as the city’s livery for the downtown City Market area. In the 1960’s, the building was transformed into the Sanders Ford Car Dealership. Today this 30,000 square foot facility is home to 35 artists working in a variety of media, along with three exhibition spaces, education space, and a gift shop. Artspace is one of the largest open studio environments in the country and the premier organization of its kind in North Carolina.

What is an “open studio environment?”
Unlike other gallery or studio settings, Artspace artists invite the public to watch them work in their studios, discuss the creative process, learn about new techniques and tips, and purchase a work of art direct from the artist. The Artspace Artists Association boasts 100 professional members, with 35 of these artists working in open studios at Artspace. Artists within the building represent a wide variety of mediums, including watercolor, landscapes, portraiture, mixed media, clay, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry-making, and felt making.

Artspace is conveniently located 2 blocks from the Raleigh Convention Center at 201 E Davie St.

Come by today and immerse yourself in the creative process!

Immerse Yourself in History at the North Carolina Museum of History

Just a few blocks from NGS 2009, you can be immersed in North Carolina's history at the North Carolina Museum of History.

The museum is located at 5 E. Edenton Street in downtown Raleigh. Admission is FREE, and parking is free on weekends. The museum’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The Museum Shop, featuring North Carolina crafts, is open daily. The museum is part of the Office of Archives and History, N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.

Some exhibits that may interest you, include:

A Call to Arms: North Carolina Military History Gallery
See artifacts from 11 wars, from the American Revolution to the war in Iraq. The gallery is filled with weapons, uniforms, home front items, photographs and other objects from wars that have touched thousands of Tar Heel lives. Online Exhibit Preview / Podcast

Carbine Williams
See the original workshop of David Marshall “Carbine” Williams. This self-taught gunsmith from North Carolina helped design the U.S. Carbine, caliber .30, M1, which became a favorite weapon of American forces in World War II, the Korean War and the early years of Vietnam. The one-room workshop includes nearly 3,000 artifacts.

Pleasing to the Eye: The Decorative Arts of North Carolina
This large exhibit overflows with hundreds of items that reveal the craftsmanship and artistic expression of generations of North Carolinians. See paintings, pottery, furniture, needlework, silver, quilts, metalwork, costumes and much, much more.

N.C. Sports Hall of Fame
See more than 200 items representing Tar Heel sports heroes. Items in the exhibit include champion driver Richard Petty’s stock car, Meadowlark Lemon’s Harlem Globetrotters basketball uniform, N.C. State University coach Kay Yow’s Olympic team basketball, Jim Beatty’s running shoes, Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice’s UNC-Chapel Hill football jersey and Mike Krzyzewski’s Duke University warm-up jacket. N.C. Sports Hall of Fame Members, N.C. Sports Hall of Fame Web site

1920s Drugstore
Patent medicines, loose herbs, and turpentine and tar products used in home remedies are just a sampling of artifacts lining the shelves of the 1920s drugstore. A mortar and pestle rest on the workroom counter, where the pharmacist mixed drugs and filled prescriptions. Fixtures from the J.C. Brantley Drugstore in Raleigh, such as mahogany cabinets, massive marble counters and large mirrors, date to the 1890s, when the drugstore (originally the O.G. King Drugstore) first opened its doors.

The North Carolina Museum of History is alive with the past—your past.