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The Pope House Museum, built in 1901, is located in downtown Raleigh mere blocks away from the capitol building.
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11/05/2020 9:03 am
Updated: Nov 5, 2020
The Pope House Museum, built in 1901, is located in downtown Raleigh mere blocks away from the capitol building.
Ernest Dollar | 919-996-2220
Historic Resources and Museum Program
As the only African-American house museum in the state of North Carolina, the Pope House offers a glimpse into the life of one of Raleigh’s most intriguing citizens, Dr. Manassa Thomas Pope, who was the only African-American man to run for mayor of a Southern capital in the midst of the Jim Crow Era.
The house features original furnishings to the family and many historical artifacts giving insight into a remarkable man and family.
Read more history about:
Ongoing: The Pope House Museum is open for regular tours every Saturday as well as for special group tours via appointment by contacting Ernest Dollar.
Educational opportunities at the Pope House are offered as part of the City of Raleigh Museum Education Programs. We strive to make history come alive! Our goal is to provide a variety of hands-on programs that will engage students, and get them excited about their local history. Our programs use local historic sites, artifacts, and photographs. Many of our programs correspond to exhibits currently on display at the museum. Some programs will have recommended grade levels, and some can be adapted to multiple grade levels. These programs can be a fun and unique way to meet NC Standard Course of Study goals in Social Studies, English, African-American Studies, and Art.
If you are interested in registering your class for a program, follow these steps:
1.) Take a look at our program offerings and their corresponding essential standard.
2.) Fill out all necessary information on the contact form, and make sure it is correct.
3.) Choose 3 education programs to fill out your day. Programs are offered Tuesday- Friday.
4.) Have a few dates in mind, as your initial date may be taken!
5.) Wait for us to confirm your trip and details!
Program Name & Description |
Recommended Grade Level |
NC Essential Standards |
Artifact Handling: Dr. Pope’s Medicine Bag – A hands-on experience, learn about some of the equipment that Dr. Pope and other doctors of his time would have use. Learn what the equipment was used for and what it might have influenced today |
K-2 3-5 |
K.H.1.1; 1.E.1.1; 2.H.1.2; 3.E.2.2; 4.G.1.4; |
Pope House Tour – Take a tour of one of the most prominent African-Americans in downtown Raleigh’s history – Dr. Pope. Learn about his life; his medical practice; his family; his contributions to the African-American community in downtown Raleigh; and explore one of the oldest standing houses on Wilmington Street. |
3-5 |
3.C.1; 4.C.1; AAS.H.1; AAS.H.2; AAS.E.1; AAS.C&G.1; AAS.C.1; |
African-American Walking Tour – Learn about the African-American influence in downtown Raleigh in a tour that includes the Pope House, Stronachs Alley, Wilmington St., and Shaw University. |
3-5 |
3.C.1; 4.H.2; 4.G.1; 4.C.1; 5.C.1; AAS.H.1; AAS.H.2; AAS.E.1; AAS.C&G.1; AAS.C.1; |
Stronachs Alley: Then, Now, and Next – Learn the history of Stronachs Alley. See what once stood in Stronachs Alley, compared to today. Picture what it might look like in the future, and express those ideas through drawing! |
3-5 |
3.V.2; 3.V.3; 4.G.1; 4.V.2; 4.V.3; 5.C.1; 5.V.3; |
Volunteers are an essential part of the Historical Resources and Museums Program. If you are interested in volunteering at the Pope House contact Ernest Dollar and visit the HRMP Volunteer Page.
As a member you will help revitalize and preserve North Carolina's history. You will also enjoy cross program perks at the City of Raleigh Museum, The Raleigh Trolley, Mordecai Historic Park, Borden, Tucker, and Pope House Museum.
There are many perks:
You can join the COR Museum Friends Group or the Mordecai Square Association; perks convey to each.
Dating to the 1860s, the Pope House Museum Collection totals over 3,000 artifacts which give insight into the life of one of the leading African-American families in Raleigh in the early 1900s. From Dr. Pope's father's freedman papers to his voter registration card to his original doctor's bag from the Spanish-American War, the collection boasts a wide range of material culture.