Did you know the Neuse River is about 2 million years old and named for the Neusiok Indian tribe? It is known as "the River of Peace." "At an estimated 2 million years, the Neuse is one of the oldest rivers in the US. Archaeological evidence indicates the first humans settled around the Neuse as early as 14,000 years ago." https://www.americanrivers.org/river/neuse-river/ Named by English explorer  Arthur Barlowe  in 1584 for the Neusiok Indians, the river was called    Gow-ta-no , or ‘‘ pine in water "  by the  Tuscarora Indians  who thrived along its banks.   - NCPedia source Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website  -  Homepage  |  WCGS Events  |  Join WCGS  |  Publications  |  Wake Cemetery Survey Images  | Digital Resources  |  History Resources  |  More Links and Resources  |  Contact

Juneteenth commemorates the proclamation delivered on June 19, 1865 by  Union Army General Gordon Granger in Galveston. The proclamation ordered the freedom of more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state of Texas.  Enjoy this collection of articles that give context to the Juneteenth holiday. Happy Freedom Day. General Order, No. 3 source This clipping appeared in the Galveston Tri-Weekly News on June 20, 1865. The new Juneteenth federal holiday traces its roots to Galveston, Texas - NPR Read or listen to John Burnett's NPR report on the history of Juneteenth,  its origins, and evolution of the holiday. Interviews with locals describe what it was like to grow up with this history and how in impacted their own family members in intimate ways. The Juneteenth Legacy Project The Juneteenth Legacy Project's mission is "to recontextualize Juneteenth as a pivotal moment in the arc of U.S. history while properly telling the story of its genesis, and historical and contem...

The NC Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction History Center is a repository of accounts from the war, emancipation and reconstruction that allows us access to accounts of this pivotal period without even leaving home.  source Here are three of the sixteen accounts currently contained within the Wake County collection at the center.  The Blue - an account of Sherman's march through Wake County. The Gray -  "The Capture and Imprisonment of Luther Mills, 1865,"  a first hand account of a Confederate soldier's capture and captivity at  Johnson Island Prison.   (Note: Allow the page to scroll down to the photos of the account to start reading.) Reconstruction -  The State Convention of the Colored People of North Carolina at Raleigh, September 29, 1865 If you are studying your Civil War era ancestors, the NC Civil War & Reconstruction History Center is a source rich with historical context. Be sure you check out accounts from all NC counties. Vi...

WCGS Quarterly Meet Up:  June 21 at 6:30pm at the NC Museum of History - Juneteenth: In Song and Word Join WCGS at our next meetup. We will meet at the NC Museum of History for their presentation to commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth with an evening of poetry and music. Our group should gather at 6pm.  The presentation starts at 6:30pm General admission tickets are free but limited, please register early. Seats are not assigned.  Register here.    Juneteenth: In Song and Word **WCGS will meet in the lobby at 6:00pm to enter the auditorium together so we can sit together.  NC Museum of History, 5 East Edenton StreetRaleighNC 27601.   Visit Wake County Genealogical Society's Website  -  Homepage  |  WCGS Events  |  Join WCGS  |  Publications  |  Wake Cemetery Survey Images  | Digital Resources  |  History Resources  |  More Links and Resources  |...

You have heard me talk before about seeking out historical and architectural surveys to supplement and round out your research. These documents include surveys for homes, businesses, churches, cemeteries and other significant structures that may warrent historic preservation, protection and/or listing on the National Historic Register. Whether the focus structure qualifies for historic recognition or not, the document always includes: a biography of the people involved  many quality resources that are useful for historical context Read more about the surveys here in the Wake Genealogy Watch Winter 2024 issue Wake Genealogy Watch Winter 2024 issue , starting on page 10. The North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office GIS Web Service was created as an aid to planning and research. Site locations and boundaries are drawn from georeferenced scans of National Register and historic property survey maps supplemented with aerial photography, county tax parcel layers and other source...

The Summer 2024 Issue (Vol. 7 Issue 4) of our award-winning newsletter, Wake Genealogy Watch, is now available online for reading or download. You can visit the  WCGS website   or access through this link -  Wake Genealogy Watch, Summer 2024 .    Features in this issue include: Our updated slate of officers for the WCGS Board of Directors Past president Carla Stancil reflects on the progress and challenges faced by our society during her tenure. Ed Morris, retired executive director of the Wake Forest Historical Museum, shares his vast knowledge of Major General Calvin Jones, M.D. of Wake Forest. You will be amazed at his many accomplishments and contributions to Wake County. Cynthia Gage made some very special discoveries about her ancestors using the resources at places of higher learning. She shares her tips with us. A clean up and preservation guide to help you know what to do and who to c...