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RALEIGH, N.C. — The City of Raleigh Museum is hosting a traveling exhibition “The Story of Barbecue in N.C.” at the downtown museum beginning Friday, July 5. The installation is sure to be a fan favorite as it examines the history of barbecue and its continuing place in North Carolina culture. The installation was created by The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with financial support from the N.C. Pork Council. The exhibit will run through September.

From its early history in the Caribbean to modern day “East versus West” style discussions, barbecue is alive and well in our state, and the exhibit will chronicle its evolution. Pirates on Hispaniola barbecued pigs and cattle left behind by the Spanish in the 1500s. Explorer John Lawson was served “barbakued” venison, fish and peaches by the Santee Indians. Enslaved men working in pits produced barbecue in the South. North Carolina has a strong barbecue tradition, featured at family and community gatherings across the state. Barbecue can be found in every North Carolina county and in every corner of our history. Raleigh has its own traditional spots for barbecue, starting with Clyde Cooper’s Restaurant that opened in 1938 and is still serving today, alongside newcomers like The Pit.

Visitors can enjoy ten illustrated fabric panels that highlight the social importance, cultural adaptations, methods of preparation, and the science behind barbecue. In addition, the exhibit includes display materials, t-shirts and sauces from various pits across the state (including local venue tie-ins).

Call 919-996-2220 or email friendsofCOR@gmail.com for more details.

About the City of Raleigh Museum:
Located in Downtown Raleigh in the historic Briggs Hardware building, the City of Raleigh Museum explores the rich history of North Carolina’s capital city. As part of the Historical Resources and Museums Program of the City of Raleigh’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department, the City of Raleigh Museum is dedicated to interpreting the past, present, and future of Raleigh. Since 1993, the museum has collected and cared for artifacts, curated exhibits, and provided educational programming that highlights Raleigh’s history and heritage. Our tagline of “Then. Now. Next.” represents a new approach to understanding North Carolina’s capital. www.cityofraleighmuseum.org 

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CONTACT:

Dan Strickford
dan@narrationpr.com