KENLY – The North Carolina Tobacco Farm Life Museum, a vital institution dedicated to preserving the state’s agricultural and tobacco farming heritage, has announced its incorporation into the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). This transition will provide expanded resources, enhanced programming, and greater community outreach, marking a significant milestone for the museum.
To facilitate this important change, the museum is temporarily closed to the public while expanding its staff and developing new initiatives. These enhancements will enable the museum to offer more educational programming, improved visitor services, and increased capacity for community engagement, ensuring it continues to serve as a hub for agricultural history in North Carolina.
Maria Vann, a historian and museum professional, will lead the NC Tobacco Farm Life Museum. Vann is also the deputy director of the North Carolina Museum of History and director of the North Carolina Maritime Museums,
“Expanding our staff is essential for enhancing our programming and effectively sharing North Carolina’s rich agricultural history with visitors and communities statewide,” Vann said. “I’m excited to guide the museum through this next chapter, working alongside our dedicated staff and supporters.”
Since its founding, the N.C. Tobacco Farm Life Museum has been a crucial resource for education and storytelling, offering insights into tobacco farming life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum features historic farm structures, period artifacts, and hands-on learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.
During its closure, the museum will continue to engage with the community by hosting the Annual Breakfast with the Commissioner at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. This year’s breakfast will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this cherished tradition, highlighting the dedication and innovation of North Carolina farmers.
“We are excited to join the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources,” said Norman Harrell, president of the Tobacco Farm Life Museum Friends Group. “While we temporarily close our doors, we will remain active in the community, starting with the Commissioner’s Breakfast. We look forward to reopening with an expanded staff and enhanced offerings that will deepen connections to North Carolina’s farming history.”
The museum is expected to reopen in 2025, featuring an expanded staff and improved visitor experiences that will carry its mission forward. For more details, please click the links above or visit www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org.
