City of Raleigh Museum Exhibit Receives Newsome Award

The Federation of North Carolina Historical Societies honored the City of Raleigh Museum’s participatory project and exhibit, Patterns of Belonging: English Learners' Reflections on America 250.

The award is presented as the Federation's special America 250 NC Newsome Award, honoring three members and projects for their outstanding contributions to local history in the America 250 NC commemoration.

The exhibit grew out of a partnership between Raleigh Arts, Raleigh Parks Cultural Outreach and Enrichment Program, and the City of Raleigh Museum. Building on a special curriculum for English language learners that explored the themes of freedom, culture, and the American dream, the museum incorporated 30 student journals from Raleigh Parks English classes. Artist Adriana Ameigh, a Puerto Rican abstract painter, sculptor, and muralist based in Raleigh, created the exhibit centerpiece. The mural in the exhibit incorporates students' drawings of patterns and symbols that are meaningful to their families, cultures, or American experiences. The exhibit is on display through July 5, 2027.

The award ceremony will take place on Oct. 27 at the High Point Museum.