The Levine Museum of the New South focuses on connecting the past of the south to its future. It aims to tell everyone’s story in order to create a stronger, more equitable community.
What’s in the Levine Museum of the New South?
The Museum of the New South was established in Charlotte in 1991. Interestingly, it operated as a “museum without walls” for three years, sharing exhibits in public places.
In 2001, Museum of the New South changed its name to the Levine Museum of the New South. It was named for museum patron, Leon Levine, who founded Family Dollar.
The museum moved to its current premises in 2022. Today, it provides rotating exhibits and does a lot of community outreach, some of it in digital formats.
Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
My favorite exhibit was Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers. Although it’s currently listed as a past exhibit in the museum, schools and groups can take a virtual tour.
As someone who grew up on a farm, it’s always important to me to get an historical perspective of an area’s agricultural products and the machines they used.
Cotton, of course, was one of the south’s key products.
How important was cotton to the U.S. economy in the 1800s?
Cotton accounted for over half of all American exports during the first half of the 1800s.
After Whitney’s invention of the cottom gin, American cotton production soared from 156,000 bales in 1800 to more than 4,000,000 bales in 1860 (a bale is a compressed bundle of cotton weighing between 400 and 500 pounds).
Unfortunately, the increased demands for cotton helped propel the number of slaves required to run the cotton plantations.
Before machines, cotton was carded by hand using a tool with spikes that straightened and aligned the fibers.
Later, with the invention of the carding machine with its thousands of tiny wire spikes, efficiency improved. Work conditions though, were terrible in a dusty, dirty hand process.
I must also admit that it’s not just about the farms. Rather, I’ve always been fascinated with stories about southern plantations — so I really enjoyed visiting and reviewing the Texas museum, Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With the Wind Museum.
Linda’s Road Trip Tips
There’s so much to see and do in Charlotte! I visited for a travel showcase, and was lucky to spend four days beyond the meetings exploring its attractions. Of course, it goes without saying that the NASCAR Hall of Fame is a must-see, so that was my first stop.
While I’d hoped that being balance-challenged wouldn’t keep me from enjoying the segway tour — it did. Luckily for me, our guide towed me along behind him to I could experience it.
If you enjoy shopping, you’ll need to put the Charlotte Premium Outlet mall on your itinerary. I did!
And what better attraction is there than a Charlotte food tour? I loved the one I went on.
Who Should Visit the Levine Museum of the New South?
The museum provides a great opportunity for anyone interested in exploring the past reconsidering new perspectives. Since the Levine Museum of the New South provides exhibitions and events designed to foster empathy, ignite dialogue, and inspire action, it’s an ideal destination for families.
With an ever-changing display of topics related to Charlotte and area, those from the south will find lots to consider. Museum visitors from all over will also find the unique perspectives enlightening.
How Do You Visit the Levine Museum of the New South?
The Levine Museum of the New South is located at 40`1 S. Tryon Street in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Check days and times open, as well as the latest exhibits, at the Levine Museum of the New South website.
Check out the Levine Museum of the New South channel on YouTube.
Keep up-to-date with what’s happening on the Levine Museum of the New South on Facebook.
Plan your visit with Google maps.
Acknowledgments
I visited the Levine Museum of the New South as part of a post-trip for Travel Media Showcase, hosted by the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. My admission to the museum was free of charge.
Reference(s)
Martin, B. (2006). Levine Museum of the New South. Encyclopedia of North Carolina. https://www.ncpedia.org/levine-museum-new-south
Mississippi History Now. (2006, October). Cotton in a global economy. https://www.mshistorynow.mdah.ms.gov/issue/cotton-in-a-global-economy-mississippi-1800-1860
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