Welcome to the NEW Orange County Historical Museum website!

What’s so new? In addition to our new web address, www.orangenchistory.org, the Orange County Historical Museum is part of a brand new organization, the Historical Foundation of Hillsborough and Orange County, Inc.

The foundation was formed on May 21, 2007 through the merging of two existing groups, the Hillsborough Historical Society and the Orange County Historical Museum. The offices and collections of the foundation are located at the Orange County Historical Museum in the Confederate Memorial Building in downtown Historic Hillsborough, North Carolina. For more information on the foundation, click on About Us.

What hasn’t changed is the dedication of the Orange County Historical Museum for serving the people of Orange County and visitors from around the world. The museum will continue to offer exhibits, events, and education programs; to collect and preserve artifacts, photographs, and documents relevant to Orange County; to share the heritage of Hillsborough and Orange county with the public; and to offer quality historic toys, games, books, and souvenirs in the gift shop.

The museum is proud to be a valuable resource for education and enjoyment for Orange County residents, and a tourist destination for visitors to Hillsborough and Orange County. The foundation is a member of the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, an organization that supports the heritage, arts, culture, businesses and tourism in Hillsborough.

Again, welcome to the NEW website! Please explore the links at left to learn about the current and upcoming exhibits and events at the Orange County Historical Museum.

This Month at the Orange County Historical Museum

April 25-June 1, 2008 Heritage Corridors Photography Display
The photographs taken for the annual photo competition will be on display in the second floor gallery during the Museum’s regular hours. Congratulations to Alice Moore (Amateur division) and Andrew Byrd (Junior division). Stop by the museum to view their winning photos. Free.

May 1 -July 15, 2008 Colonial Kids Writing Contest
The museum and the News of Orange County are holding a writing contest for grades 1-8. Visit our Colonial Kids page for more details.

May 18, 2008 Annual Dinner
5-8 p.m. The 45 year tradition of the Hillsborough Historical Society annual dinner continues with the Historical Foundation of Hillsborough and Orange County's first annual dinner. The Engstrom Award, recognizing service to the preservation of Hillsborough's history, will be awarded during the dinner. Orange County Commissioner Barry Jacobs will speak about his new book, Across the Line: Profiles in Basketball Courage: Tales of the First Black Players in the ACC and SEC. At Ayr Mount Historic Home. Admission is $20 and space is limited; reservations must be made in advance; for information call (919) 732-2201 or send an email.

May 30, 2008 Last Friday – Red Cross Service to the Military
6-9 p.m. The museum and the Orange County chapter of the American Red Cross will celebrate Memorial Day with a tribute to the Red Cross and its support of the military. After leaving the museum, be sure to visit the Emergency Response Vehicle parked at the Town Annex. There will also be cake! Music by Billy Sugarfix. Free.

6-8 p.m. Georgia Kyser, widow of bandleader Kay Kyser of Chapel Hill, will autograph posters from World War II that feature her likeness. Proceeds from the sale of these posters benefits the American Red Cross.