Learn about the history of Raleigh and enjoy a Southern-style meal when you sign up for the historic Raleigh Day Tour, which will be offered as a pre-conference event on Tuesday, 9 May 2017.
First Stop
Joel Lane House. Did you know that the city of Raleigh is one of the few purpose-built capital cities in the country? When the North Carolina legislature decided in 1791 to build a new city in Wake County, several sites were considered. They met at the 1769 home of Joel Lane, whose land was selected for the new permanent seat of government.
Second Stop 
Mordecai House. The next stop will be the Mordecai House, the oldest part constructed in 1785 by Joel Lane’s son Henry. Descendants resided in the home until the late 1960s. Mordecai Square Historic Park includes other historic structures preserved and moved to the grounds, including the birthplace of the 17th President, Andrew Johnson.
Lunch
Lunch (which is on your own) will be at Big Ed’s, well-known as the “Home of Raleigh’s Best Southern Cooking.” Founded in 1958, Big Ed’s prides itself on Southern-style meals, “cooked to order using fresh and local products,” and served in a uniquely-decorated space described as a “museum of Southern culture.”
Following lunch, we’ll head off to Historic Oakwood Cemetery, weather permitting, or to the State Capitol. The Oakwood Cemetery began over 150 years ago as a resting place for Confederate dead and quickly expanded to become a park-like cemetery encompassing over 100 acres. Many notable locals rest there and it is still an active cemetery. Raleigh’s current State Capitol building, completed in 1840, is the second structure on this site, the first having burned in 1831. The domed, cross-shaped building features classic Greek-inspired columns and decorative details.
Sign up for the Raleigh Day Tour when you register for the NGS 2017 conference. If you are already registered, you may revisit your registration page and add events. The Raleigh Day Tour is expected to last 5½ hours and costs $50 per person.