The Charlotte Museum of History (July 4, 2010)

Patty and I have never been here to the museum, but had heard about it, and as it was a Free Admission Day, figured it was worth a look. The Museum is located at 3500 Shamrock Drive in Charlotte, NC...and yes has a fine web site at http://www.charlottemuseum.com if you would like more information than I have here. Building is very nice, seen here is the front. Had some nice displays inside, including a good Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police display that rated some photos on my motorcycle blog. I will also be posting some photos on my photo page soon, but some of the best ones you can see here. It was a very interesting place to visit.
The "American Freedom Bell" was donated by the Belk Foundation (Belk is a big name in the Charlotte area). The bell is also big, being some seven times bigger than the Liberty Bell. I also read that it is "the largest cast bell in the world viewed at eye level" (from the museum handout). Had a nice recorded presentation with it, and then they rang the bell (quite a few times in fact during the course of the visit). Had a nice tone, and unlike the Liberty Bell, no cracks appeared in the bell. Thought it was a very cool thing to hear and see, plus considering the date that I saw it, thought it was a perfect place to visit.


As for the house here, this is the oldest house in Charlotte; the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite which is also known as "The Rock House" and was built in 1774. Mr Alexander was an important local figure in the Revolutionary War and the house was restored some years ago, and the museum is built on the original land. There is also a period kitchen, and a barn, but they are not original to the property. Another building that is original to the property is the Spring House. It was a building built over a spring which kept items like milk and butter cool for a time. Always around 50 in the Spring House...better than nothing prior to the age of refrigeration. Got to explore the various buildings there and toured the house as well (though the second floor was not open for tours) but was pretty cool considering the age and condition of the house (which would be old in the first case, excellent in the second case). I think the museum was well worth the road trip today!