The life and works of conservationist and photographer Hugh Morton have left a legacy so resounding in the High Country that his name has become a part of the Appalachian identity.
Now, a collection of his work is on display through a traveling exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.
On loan from the UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives, the show was featured at ASU’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in 2013 and will now run through Sept. 4, 2017 at the NCMOH.
The exhibit’s 87 images feature dozens of Morton’s lesser or unknown photographs, as well as some classics. While many capture aspects of daily life, others depict celebrities and events.
The exhibit featuring North Carolina’s history and beauty through the eyes of photographer Hugh MacRae Morton (1921-2006), a Wilmington native.
Morton’s prolific career spanned eight decades, and his images showcase his love for Tar Heel people, events, landmarks, nature, sports and tourism. Opening Saturday, Aug. 13, the traveling exhibit is on loan from the UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives.
For information about the N.C. Museum of History, a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org or follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or YouTube.
Raleigh Programs Related to the Exhibit
History Corner: History in Pictures
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 10-11 a.m.
Ages 6-9 (with adult)
$3 plus tax per child; $1 plus tax for Associates/museum members
To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com. For information, call 919-807-7988.
Tour two photography exhibits and investigate the past through pictures.
History Hunters: Picture Perfect
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 12:30-2 p.m.
Ages 10-13
$5 plus tax per child; $3 plus tax for Associates/museum members
To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com. For information, call 919-807-7988.
Bring your digital camera or smartphone, and learn basic skills from a professional photographer.
After Hours: Hugh Morton, More Than Bridges and Bears
Thursday, Dec. 8, 5:30-8 p.m.
Free! Registration is required. To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com. For details, call 919-807-7988.
Jack Morton, Hugh Morton’s Grandson and Raleigh Photographer, and Stephen Fletcher, Photographic Archivist at UNC Library’s North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives
What’s it like growing up the grandson of a renowned North Carolina photographer? Jack will share what he learned from his grandfather and how Hugh continues to influence his work daily. Tour the exhibit with Fletcher, and have your portrait taken!
History à la Carte: Mysteries of the Morton Collection
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, noon-1 p.m.
Free! Bring your lunch, or RSVP at NCMOH-programs.com to register and purchase a boxed lunch by Monday, Jan. 9, at noon. Beverages provided. For details, call 919-807-7969.
The Hugh Morton photographic collection is full of mysteries and secrets known only to one man. Photographic Archivist Steven Fletcher will highlight stories he uncovered while processing the collection and managing the blog A View to Hugh.
Caring for Your Family’s Photographs
Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, 10 a.m.-noon
$15 plus tax per person; $12 for Associates/museum members. Fee includes conservation supplies. To register, visit NCMOH-programs.com. For details, call 919-807-7988.
Jennifer French, Objects Conservator, N.C. Museum of History
During this hands-on workshop, discover how to use preventive techniques to conserve your treasured photographs. Learn about proper storage methods and how to identify different types of images.
Podcast Interview With Hugh Morton’s Daughter
Listen to a podcast interview with Hugh Morton’s youngest daughter, Catherine Morton, who shares stories about her father, his photography career and his drive to turn Grandfather Mountain into one of the state’s most successful tourist attractions. She currently serves on the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Board of Directors. The podcast link is http://bit.ly/29LIEVw.
About the N.C. Museum of History
The N.C. Museum of History is located at 5 E. Edenton Street in downtown Raleigh. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday,noon to 5 p.m. The museum collects and preserves artifacts of North Carolina history and educates the public on the history of the state and the nation through exhibits and educational programs. Each year more than 300,000 people visit the museum to see some of the 150,000 artifacts in the museum collection. The Museum of History, within the Division of State History Museums, is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
About the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation’s first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call 919-807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.
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