Downtown Raleigh Alliance

See the exhibit Elected to Serve: North Carolina’s Governors, offering an insightful look at nearly 300 years of gubernatorial history. One thing is for sure. . . . The state’s foremost leader has always faced challenges, from pirate encounters during colonial times to today’s budget concerns. Many twists and turns along the way have left a colorful history.

Elected to Serve explores how governors have shaped our state and improved Tar Heel life in areas such as agriculture, industry and education. The exhibit also highlights the contributions of several first ladies to North Carolina. Additional sections focus on political campaigns, voting and inaugural traditions.

Numerous artifacts, photographs and portraits reflect a lively gubernatorial past. The items range from a 1775 North Carolina $5 bill from the days of royal governor William Tryon to the first ticket sold in 2006 for the N.C. Education Lottery, supported by Gov. Mike Easley. A selection of Inaugural Ball gowns, always popular with visitors, includes the 1893 silk dress created for First Lady Eleanor Carr and the satin gown that First Lady Mary Easley danced in at the 2005 Inaugural Ball.

Cost: free