Greensboro Historical Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Greensboro History Museum
|
|
 |
|
 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 130 Summit Ave., Greensboro, North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Area | 1.7 acres (0.69 ha) |
| Built | 1812, 1892, 1903, 1938 |
| Architect | Hook, A.C.; Et al. |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000877 |
| Added to NRHP | April 25, 1985 |
The Greensboro History Museum is a cool place to learn about the past. It's located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The museum building itself has a long and interesting history. It used to be two separate buildings: the First Presbyterian Church and the Smith Memorial Building.
These historic buildings were joined together and updated in 1938. Today, they are an important part of the larger Greensboro History Museum. The museum helps everyone discover the stories of Greensboro and its people.
Contents
Discovering the Museum's History
The Greensboro History Museum is more than just a building. It's a journey through time. The main building has a rich past, starting with its earliest days.
From Church to Museum: A Building's Journey
The oldest part of the museum was once the First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro. This beautiful brick church was built in 1892. It stands on land that was once a hospital during the American Civil War. The church has a special Romanesque Revival style. You can see this in its brick design, cross-shaped roof, and tall tower.
Next to the church, the Smith Memorial Building was added in 1903. This building has a unique semi-circular shape. It also features four octagonal (eight-sided) sections and its own tower. A famous architect named Charles Christian Hook designed this memorial building.
Connecting the Past: Renovations and New Uses
In 1938, the church and the memorial building were connected. They were also updated and made bigger. Before becoming a museum, the building served many purposes. It was known as the Richardson Civic Center. It even housed the Greensboro Public Library and the Greensboro Art Center.
The church itself moved to a new location in 1929. The property was then given to the city of Greensboro. This allowed it to become a place for the community.
Exploring the Historic Cemetery
On the museum grounds, you'll also find the First Presbyterian Church cemetery. This cemetery was started way back in 1831. It was established after the very first church was built on land donated by Jesse H. Lindsay. It's a quiet place that holds many stories from Greensboro's early days.
Recognized for Its Importance
Because of its long history and special architecture, the Greensboro History Museum building is very important. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site.
Notable People Buried Here
The historic cemetery on the museum grounds is the final resting place for several important figures from North Carolina's past.
- Robert P. Dick (1823-1898): He was a lawyer and a justice.
- John Adams Gilmer (1805-1868): He served as a representative and a senator during the Civil War era.
- John Motley Morehead (1796-1866): He was a governor of North Carolina.
Images for kids
External Links
- Greensboro History Museum Official Website: http://www.greensborohistory.org/
