Museum undergoing revitalization
By Turner Walston
Published in News on October 16, 2005 2:06 AM
Wayne County Historical Association officials are working to modernize the museum, now in its 18th year in the old Goldsboro Woman's Club building.
"We're turning it upside-down, so to speak," said Louis Marriner, Jr., Historical Association president. "It's been the same for so long, we decided to change it around."
Museum officials are moving exhibits and adding new items, Marriner said.
In addition to continuing renovation work to the physical structure, association members are also looking to make some changes in the displays at the facility.
Organizers are asking various communities in the county to help with month-long exhibits highlighting the towns' histories, Marriner said. Also planned are similar displays for county churches, and a special exhibit detailing the founding and history of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Employees at the museum are putting together a permanent exhibit featuring Wayne County businesses from the 1920s through the 1960s. They are seeking advertisements, promotional items, photos and artifacts from the era.
Among the current items on display are an antique radio microphone from WGBR, a sign from Kemp Furniture and a 1962 newspaper advertisement from Noggie's Radio & TV Service. Other advertisements feature Leder Brothers clothing store and the Paramount Theatre.
"It's exciting to see what was here," museum manager Catherine Belmonte said. "It's like a walk through memory lane."
For now, the exhibit is located in a display case on the first floor of the museum, but officials hope to soon have enough items to move the exhibit upstairs.
"We're trying to get more, because we want to build it up quite a bit," Marriner said. "We've gotten some things, but we want to see a lot more."
To lend an item to the exhibit, call the Wayne County Museum at 734-5023 to set up an appointment. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., and is located at 116 N. William St. in Goldsboro.