I found this interesting tidbit of history on the UNC Libraries' NC Miscellany blog . The post outlines the details of Richard Caswell's Day of Thanksgiving Proclamation  published in the North Carolina Gazette on Nov.14,1799. Now at that time, Caswell was more thankful for a victory over Generals Burgoyne and Gates and their British forces than he was for turkey and stuffing. Read the original post with a link to Caswell's original proclamation in his own words.  Thanksgiving In North Carolina, 1777 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

Did you know that an ad hoc farmers market auction sprang up at the fall tobacco auction in Durham in 1939? Enjoy more Thanksgiving trivia and traditions in this article posted from Our State Magazine. A North Carolina Thanksgiving, Revisited - Our State Magazine PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, LC-USF33-030733-M4 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

After the Civil War and for several years to come, Confederate veterans returned home where readjustments to daily life were many. Many soldiers suffered debilitating injuries, returning home without limbs or losing them later due to complications of old injuries. Did you know that North Carolina was the first state to provide artificial limbs to its Confederate amputees after the Civil War? This was in response to a similar Federal program. The state provided limbs at no charge and also offered a $70 allowance to those who wanted to choose their own leg or go without one. Arms were priced at $50. Jewett's Patent Leg Company set up manufacturing at the site of the Raleigh bayonet factory near the R&G railroad on Salisbury Street, between North and Johnson Streets, in 1866-7. A more extensive description of this early social program can be found at the website for the historical marker that was placed near the former bayonet factory/leg company. View here . See information about...

This painful and incendiary moment in Wilmington's history has impact far beyond the bounds of her city limits. A Raleigh news outlet was instrumental in the event. The 1898 coup d'etat in Wilmington - the only successful overthrow of a domestic government in Americha history - is examined in a new documentary.   Watch American Experience  on PBS this coming Tuesday at 9pm.   American Coup: Wilmington 1898 Description from PBS: American Coup: Wilmington 1898 tells the little-known story of a deadly race massacre and carefully orchestrated insurrection in North Carolina's largest city in 1898 -- the only coup d'etat in the history of the US. Stoking fears of "Negro Rule," self-described white supremacists used intimidation and violence to destroy Black political and economic power and overthrow Wilmington's democratically-elected, multi-racial government. Dozens of Black residents were murdered, and thousands were banished. The story of what happened in Wi...

The cemetery in question sat deep in entangled woods near Holland Rd. and Judd Parkway in Fuquay-Varina.  So deep, that even the most recent land owners were not aware of its existance. The sacred ground only came to light after the land had been sold to developers who had started the process of clearing the land. Two casual walkers out for a stroll saw it and brought the cemetery to the attention of Fuquay-Varina Museum staff who did not recognize the names which were not similar to any that were known in the area.  The developer's crew was careful to work around the cemetery and has added a permanent, heavy iron fence to protect the area. Within the fence there is one marked grave and several unmarked ones. Clues to who might rest in the cemetery were meager, yet the Fuquay-Varina Museum staff rose to the challenge to discover the family's identity and connections to the community and beyond.  Their search resulted in an article in the Museum's blog that brings life to ...

The OLLI (Osher Livelong Learning Institute)* newsletter for October features their Family History Special Interest Group in honor of  Family History Month. In addition, they spotlight the upcoming presentation of Ed Webb who is one of our own! The group is lead by WCGS President, Barbara McGeachy. Message from OLLI -    Beyond the classroom…. OLLI’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are formed and led by members who want to connect with other OLLI members who share a common interest outside of the classroom setting. Since October is Family History Month, we’re spotlighting our Family History SIG. The Family History Special Interest Group is one of OLLI’s biggest Special Interest Groups with 75 members and 25 - 30 members regularly attending meetings both in-person and via Zoom. Barbara McGeachy has been coordinator of the group for the last twelve years. Barbara describes her interest in the group as a calling for sharing stories. She shares, “My grandmother shared sto...