By Austin Morris
Staff Writer
If you live in Greensboro, it is not likely that you will find yourself at home on a Saturday afternoon searching in vain for something to do. Greensboro abounds with fun activities, from comedy clubs, to arcades, to arcade bars, two theater companies, and so much more. There is truly something for everyone here. But Greensboro’s attractions extend beyond the modern trappings of trendy restaurants and bars.
If you are for a quieter, family-friendly option that is both educational and fun, look no further than the Greensboro History Museum. Located in Greensboro’s beautiful downtown area, and within walking distance of some fantastic restaurants, the Greensboro History Museum offers a relaxed and inviting option for a fun afternoon.
The museum sits on the site of a former Confederate hospital and occupies a gorgeous building that began its life as a Presbyterian Church. It was later a library and arts center before eventually being completely taken over by the Greensboro History Museum.
The museum spans over 17,000 square feet, with historic buildings that date from the 1700’s. Plus, for those looking to get into the Halloween spirit, a historic cemetery filled with beautiful Victorian monuments. The museum also boasts over 30,000 historical objects in its collection and a large archive, full of photos, manuscripts, and all nature of historical documents.
The museum proudly boasts its affiliation with the Smithsonian Institute and community-forward attitude. With programs for people of all ages, there are numerous opportunities throughout the year to engage with the museum and learn something new about Guilford County’s history.
Visitors should plan their trip with the museum’s hours of operation in mind. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and on Sunday’s from 2PM to 5PM. Those planning to visit the museum should allot at least two hours if they wish to see all of the indoor exhibits. Admission is free, and parking is readily available in the museum parking lot, and across the street in a public parking lot.
History can seem a dry subject to some, but the dedicated staff at the Greensboro History Museum have gone to great lengths to provide an environment that both interests and challenges visitors. The next time you are deciding how to spend your day, remember to keep the Greensboro History Museum in mind.
Address
130 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27401
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday 10 am – 5 pm Thursday 10 am – 5 pm Friday 10 am – 5 pm Saturday 10 am – 5 pm Sunday 2 – 5 pm Closed Mondays and City of Greensboro holidays
Parking is available on museum property as well as in the following areas:
· Off E. Lindsay Street, between the museum entrance and Mary Lynn Richardson Park
· Off N. Church Street, next to the veterans’ memorial