A Digital Repository Paves the Way for a Future Brick-and-Mortar Museum
The North Carolina Broadcast History Museum is on a mission to preserve the state’s rich broadcast legacy. While physical plans for a museum and educational space are underway, the museum has launched the NC Broadcast History Museum Project. This initiative aims to collect and showcase the recordings, documents, and photographs that tell the story of North Carolina’s broadcasting history. With the support of industry professionals and the wider community, the museum is working towards creating a comprehensive and immersive experience for visitors. In the meantime, a digital repository serves as a temporary home for these valuable artifacts.
Tracing North Carolina’s Broadcasting Roots
North Carolina’s broadcasting history dates back to December 12, 1901, when Reginald Fessenden transmitted the first radio signal across the Atlantic. Since then, the state has played a pivotal role in the evolution of broadcasting. On July 23, 1996, WRAL-TV became the first television station in the nation to broadcast a digital signal, marking a significant milestone in the industry. These groundbreaking moments, along with countless others, have shaped North Carolina’s broadcasting landscape and laid the foundation for the NC Broadcast History Museum Project.
A Digital Repository for Preserving the Past
While plans for a physical museum are in progress, the NC Broadcast History Museum has established a digital repository to document and preserve the state’s broadcast legacy. Visitors can explore NCBMuseum.com to access a wealth of information, including historical recordings, documents, and photographs. This online platform serves as a temporary home for these invaluable artifacts, allowing the public to engage with North Carolina’s broadcasting history from the comfort of their own homes. The digital repository also serves as a call to action for individuals who have worked in the industry or their families to contribute their own recordings, documents, and photographs to further enrich the collection.
Seeking Support from Industry Professionals and the Community
The NC Broadcast History Museum Project relies on the support and contributions of industry professionals and the wider community. The museum announced its call for assistance during a recent event at the Executive Mansion in downtown Raleigh. Prominent figures in the broadcasting industry, such as Jim Babb, past president of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, and Caroline Beasley, CEO of Beasley Broadcast Group, expressed their support for the project. Don Curtis, CEO of Curtis Media Group, also shared his remarks, highlighting the importance of preserving North Carolina’s broadcast history.
Trustees Leading the Way
The NC Broadcast History Museum is guided by a board of trustees consisting of influential figures in the broadcasting industry. Jim Goodmon, CEO and chairman of the board of WRAL’s Capitol Broadcasting Company, brings decades of experience to the project. His commitment to preserving North Carolina’s broadcast legacy has been instrumental in shaping the museum’s vision. David Crabtree, a retired WRAL News anchor, also serves as a trustee, leveraging his extensive knowledge and passion for broadcasting to contribute to the project’s success. With the support and expertise of these trustees and others, the NC Broadcast History Museum is poised to create a lasting tribute to the state’s broadcasting heritage.
The NC Broadcast History Museum Project is an ambitious endeavor to preserve and celebrate North Carolina’s broadcast legacy. While plans for a physical museum are underway, a digital repository serves as an interim solution, providing access to a wide range of historical recordings, documents, and photographs. The museum’s call for support from industry professionals and the wider community underscores the collaborative nature of this project. By collecting and showcasing the artifacts that tell the story of North Carolina’s broadcasting history, the NC Broadcast History Museum aims to create an immersive and educational experience for visitors. As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly become a cherished resource for all those who appreciate the impact of broadcasting in North Carolina.
