The Charlotte Museum of History and Hezekiah Alexander Homesite comprise multiple venues on an eight-acre wooded campus in east Charlotte.
The oldest structure, and the reason for the museum’s location, is the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite, a 5,000- square foot rock house. The Hezekiah Alexander House is the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County. Listed on the National Register for Historic Places, it was built circa 1774 and still stands on its original site. The house is accompanied by a reproduction log kitchen and reconstructed two-story springhouse.
The Foundation encountered financial difficulties while attempting to build a reception center for the Homesite. Consequently, in 1975 the City of Charlotte in cooperation with the Mint Museum completed the building, which opened as The Charlotte Museum of History on July 3, 1976. The museum and Homesite were administered by the Mint Museum from 1975 until 1987. During that time, the Women’s Auxiliary was formed to help raise funds. The Auxiliary raised sufficient funds to furnish the Alexander House with an exceptional collection of period antiques. In 1987, administrative responsibility was transferred to the Park and Recreation division of the city. Throughout these administrative changes, The Hezekiah Alexander Foundation continued to support the Homesite and museum. On July 1, 1990, the Hezekiah Alexander Foundation regained full administration and support of the museum and the Homesite. The City’s separation agreement stipulated that the Foundation create a two million dollar endowment fund for the operation and maintenance of the museum and Homesite. The Foundation exceeded the requirement, raising over three million dollars.
In 1996, the Foundation began to explore the possibility of replacing the 1976 building with a much larger museum to better meet needs and community expectations. Three years later, having raised over 7 million dollars, the Foundation completed a new 36,000-sq. ft. museum building. An intensive exhibits program had produced three galleries taking the Charlotte-Mecklenburg story from 18
th to the 20
th century. A changing exhibit space was created on the second floor. Grand Opening was held on October 24, 1999. The American Freedom Bell was added to the museum grounds later that fall and was rung for the first time on December 31, 1999. On February 6, 2002, the Foundation officially changed its name to The Charlotte Museum of History, Inc. The museum is a private non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) classification from the Internal Revenue Service. It is governed by the Board of Trustees of the Hezekiah Alexander Foundation, a volunteer citizens group.
The Revolutionary War era home of Hezekiah Alexander is located on the grounds of The Charlotte Museum of History. Built in 1774, this two story stone mansion is the oldest surviving structure in Charlotte-Mecklenburg and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house was preserved through the efforts of area chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution starting in 1949. A second era of restoration was begun in 1969 by preservation architects and craftsmen drawing on archaeological evidence and using construction materials and techniques of the mid-1700s. Thanks to their efforts and the tireless determination of staff and volunteers to locate authentic period furniture, the Homesite is an award winning example of historic preservation in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and one of the best examples in the region.
Other elements of eighteenth century life to be found on the site are the kitchen, herb garden and springhouse. Knowledgeable docents dressed in 18
th Century costume lead visitors through the buildings and grounds, discussing artifacts and furnishings found in the buildings and illustrating the everyday lives of the Alexanders. They also place these buildings and people in the broader context of the history of early Charlotte and its place in the fight for American independence.
Tours are offered daily at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Find out more about the house that Hezekiah built in Solving the Rock House Mysteries. This exhibit, based on evidence from archaeological digs and original documents, explores the names and faces, and the myths and legends, surrounding the 230+ year old home. It also chronicles the preservation and restoration of the Rock House. In July 2006, the exhibit was honored by an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History.
Reconstructed Log Kitchen
In accordance with archaeological evidence, the current kitchen was reconstructed on the foundations of the original. 18
th Century kitchens were often separate structures from the house because of the danger of fire, and also because of the amount of heat and smoke produced by open hearth cooking.
The kitchen, staffed by female slaves, was most likely also used as slave quarters.
It is interesting to note that this humble two-story log structure behind the Rock House represents the type of building that most early settlers would have lived in.
Reconstructed Springhouse
The foundation of this springhouse dates to approximately 1774, but the structure itself has been reconstructed based on early photographs.
Two-story springhouses were rare in this area. A springhouse had multiple uses, the most important being food preservation.
Inside the lower level of the springhouse, natural spring water still flows over a floor of bedrock.
Ceramic crocks and jars containing perishables such as milk, butter, or cheese would have been placed in the water to be cooled, since the water temperature remains between 54 and 56 degrees Fahrenheit year round.
Charlotte Museum of History3500 Shamrock Drive
Charlotte, NC 28215
Map704-568-1774
www.charlottemuseum.org
