Gov. Perdue Donates Desk to Museum of History

The desk pre-move in the governor’s office

Earlier this afternoon, North Carolina Museum of History staff carefully wrapped Governor Beverly Perdue’s heavily carved desk, placed it on a rolling table, and pushed it across Union Square and Edenton Street to the Museum where it will join that institution’s permanent collection.  This desk is part of a group of items she recently gave to the museum.

Protecting the desk for a safe move

The State Capitol Historic Site, the N.C. Museum of Art and the N.C. Museum of History—all part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources—help preserve and maintain the official state furnishings used by the governors in the Capitol and the Executive Mansion. Each incoming governor selects items from special collections maintained by these institutions and combines them with items of their own to furnish his or  her office in the State Capitol and the living areas of the Executive Mansion.

Arriving safely at the N.C. Museum of History

Upon departing office, each governor donates items that help document his or her time in office to these collections. Some of these items—including Gov. Perdue’s veto stamp—are on view as part of the Leading the State exhibit at the N.C. Museum of History. Check them out tonight when you head out to First Night Raleigh! In celebration of the New Year, the museum will be open until 11 p.m.