Billy Graham Library facts for kids
The Billy Graham Library is a special place in Charlotte, North Carolina. It's a museum and library that tells the story of Billy Graham. He was a famous Christian evangelist, which means he traveled the world sharing his faith. The library opened on June 5, 2007. It looks like a big dairy barn with a silo. This design reminds visitors of Billy Graham's childhood on a farm.
The library is located near the main office of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. It's also close to where Billy Graham grew up. Inside, you'll find a fun mechanical "talking" cow!
Contents
What You Can See Inside
The main parts of the library are filled with many interesting things. You can see pictures, listen to music, and hear voices from Billy Graham's life. There are also many items he used during his travels.
Ruth's Attic and the Prayer Garden
One special area is all about Ruth Bell Graham. She was Billy Graham's wife. The library also has a café called "Ruth's Attic" where you can get snacks, and a bookstore.
All visitors walk through doors at the bottom of a tall glass cross to enter the library. Outside, there's a peaceful place called the Prayer Garden. This is where Ruth Graham was buried on June 17, 2007.
Important People Buried Here
Besides Ruth Graham, other important people connected to Billy Graham are buried at the library.
- In March 2009, Wilma "Billie" Barrows was buried here. She was the wife of Cliff Barrows, who was Billy Graham's music director for many years.
- In April 2013, George Beverly Shea was buried here too. He was a gospel singer who often sang at Billy Graham's events.
- Cliff Barrows was buried next to his wife, Billie, in November 2016.
Billy Graham's Final Resting Place
Billy Graham passed away on February 21, 2018. His funeral was held on March 2, 2018, right on the library grounds. It took place in a large tent, just like the tents where he held his very first big meetings.
Before the funeral, Billy Graham's childhood home, which is next to the library, was open for people to visit and pay their respects. He was also honored in Washington, D.C., at the United States Capitol. After the funeral, Billy Graham was buried next to his wife, Ruth, in the Library's Prayer Garden.
Images for kids
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Entrance to the library from the Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte, North Carolina
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Appreciation Walkway at the Billy Graham Library leads to the graves of Billy Graham & Ruth Bell Graham
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The home of Morrow Coffey Graham, the mother of Billy Graham, has been preserved at the Graham Library
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Replica of the desk of Billy Graham
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Model Graham Brothers Dairy truck on display at the Billy Graham Library
See also
- List of Billy Graham's crusades
