For the Development of the Morrisville History Center, 100 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville
The Town of Morrisville History Center was conceived as a vehicle to attract visitors to Morrisville on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War; and, to connect Morrisville residents, old and new, with each other and the unique history of their community. Through careful design, the Center was integrated into existing space in the Town Hall, utilizing existing reception staff, parking, and restrooms, without impeding other essential functions of Town Hall.
The resulting Morrisville History Center includes banners and poster-sized window displays with photos of residents; panel displays that describe key events in the history of the town; and, a touchscreen presenting video interviews with long-time residents and local historians. These assets are displayed in a custom kiosk built in the shape of a railroad station ticket window commemorating Morrisville’s railroad history. A special display on the Civil War skirmish that took place in Morrisville, April 13, 1865, includes a map showing troop locations during the “Fight for the Station”, as well as a display case with Civil War artifacts found in the community. A mini theater featuring three videos on the history of the town include: Jeremiah’s Dream, the story of Morrisville in the context of national events; Twilight of Sabers, which recounts the Civil War skirmish that took place in Morrisville; and, Creating a Town Center: The Future of Morrisville, which describes the community vision for creating a vibrant central gathering place around the Town’s historic crossroads.
The Town also commissioned the installation of a Civil War interpretive marker at the entrance to Town Hall that tells the story of the “Fight for the Station”. As a result, Morrisville is now listed as a stop on the North Carolina Civil War Trails map.
Because of its central location, the History Center is one of the most accessible historic sites in the Triangle. Unveiled at its grand opening that attracted 200 people, the Morrisville History Center has helped residents and visitors alike gain a special appreciation for Morrisville’s history. In the process, the History Center has helped to build support for historic preservation and for creating a vibrant town center around Morrisville’s historic crossroads.
The Board of Directors of Capital Area Preservation, Inc. is pleased to present a 2012 Anthemion Award to the Town of Morrisville; Ernest Dollar; Joel Rhodes; Jerry Taylor; and Jim Cowles for the development of the Morrisville History Center, 100 Town Hall Drive, Morrisville.