Welcome to the Charlotte Museum of History and the 1774 Homesite Audio Tour. This tour will last approximately 35 minutes. My name is Nolan Dahm, I am a historian and the exhibits manager at the Charlotte Museum of History.
Before we begin the tour, let’s go over a few rules. First, as you walk around the site please stay on the path when possible. Next, please follow “leave no trace” principles. This means: pick up your garbage, don’t touch anything, and don’t take anything from the homesite including man made objects and natural items such as rocks and flowers. If you notice any items on the ground that appear to be historic, please leave them in place and alert a staff member when you return to the museum building. Last, photos are allowed everywhere on the site, but please refrain from using flash or from taking professional photography on the site. If you do post any photos from your time here online, please make sure to tag our social media!
Now, let’s begin. The museum building you are standing in opened in 1999 and replaced a smaller building run by the Hezekiah Alexander Foundation, established in 1969. Since then, our organization has stewarded the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite and has been offering tours and programs to the public.
To begin your tour, follow the signs through the double doors at the back of the museum and walk toward the American Freedom Bell. You’ll see it as you exit the building.