Very nice place to visit and learn about Raeford and Hoke County throughout its history. There are a few excellent examples of Neoclassical Revival architecture on display and it is in excellent condition.
The oldest buildings in the district date to the turn of the twentieth century. Examples include Johnson-Thomas Building, Hoke Drug Company and Farmers Furnishing Company which each exhibit classic architectural expressions typical for this era.
History
Raeford-Hoke Museum is a non-profit organization established to raise public awareness and preserve the history, culture, and artifacts of Raeford and Hoke County. The museum boasts numerous historic artifacts stored within two historic houses: McLauchlin-McFadyen House and Parker Ray House on five-acre museum grounds as well as buildings housing emergency equipment such as fire trucks; one room schoolhouses; doll houses; country stores and more!
The museum provides a great opportunity to learn about the rich history of small towns in North Carolina over time. Entry is free but donations are encouraged. Featuring a library, gift shop and outdoor exhibits – this family-friendly museum provides something fun for everyone to experience!
Raeford stands out as an exceptional railroad town in south-central North Carolina’s Sandhills that developed during the late nineteenth century around an institute and its railway tracks. Its architecture reflects this growth while at the same time reflecting popular styles and vernacular forms from that era. Raeford’s resources reveal how it transitioned from being just another stop on its route into an agriculturally-based commercial center with industrial, service, and residential growth over time.
The district’s residential resources reflect the evolving tastes of a growing middle class and range from Queen Anne, Neoclassical, Colonial Revival and other styles popular at that time in railroad towns in Southeastern North Carolina. Commercial buildings provide a prime example of vernacular designs popular at that time in these towns.
Exhibits
The museum features numerous historical artifacts that highlight Raeford and Hoke County’s rich past. Housed within an 1880 Southern Colonial Revival residence, its exhibits showcase early life exhibits as well as military, government, church and farm displays – with its main purpose to preserve culture, history and artifacts from Raeford and Hoke County.
The Raeford-Hoke Museum, established as a non-profit organization in 2002, features many historical artifacts and photographs of Raeford and Wake County as well as library resources and genealogical materials. At its center stands McLauchlin-McFadyen House – built in 1905; however its grounds include other historic structures including 1921 firetruck equipment, antique doll building housing a 1921 fire truck as well as one room schoolhouses, smokehouses and even country stores!
Richard Neeley donated the Parker-Ray House as part of a local initiative. After moving it from Dundarrach, it is currently under restoration work at its new home at the museum site and should be complete by April. When complete, this addition will house artifacts related to railroad towns such as Raeford as well as exhibits about Civil War battles and lumber industry history.
Events
Raeford, North Carolina offers plenty of things to see and do for visitors of all ages. This charming small town features an inviting community with lower crime than average and family-friendly attractions like museums, theaters and historic sites – not forgetting outdoor pursuits like Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve with longleaf pine forests and hiking trails or Rockfish Speedway for live racing throughout the year!
Visit the Raeford-Hoke Museum for a step into history! Its preservation project started with the purchase of The McLauchlin-McFadyen House in 2002 and houses historical artifacts and genealogies of Hoke County families as well as children’s history days, NC Fall Festival events, and Hometown Christmas events.
This year’s event will offer visitors an array of activities, ranging from Kids’ Corner and Hay Rides at downtown businesses decorated with lights and holiday decor to local cuisine such as barbecue and sweet tea.
Raeford offers more than just its Museum as a destination; unique boutiques and major retailers alike await visitors here, while restaurants serve everything from American fare, soul food, traditional Southern fare as well as local wines and microbrews. There are even several coffee shops for quick pickups!
Admission
Raeford-Hoke Museum in Raeford, North Carolina is dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and artifacts of Hoke County since 2002. Situated on five acres, its mission is to raise public awareness of Raeford and Hoke County heritage while its collection consists of historical artifacts, photographs, genealogies as well as house tours and gardens tours.
Joyce Monroe, curator of the museum, started discussing their acquisition of Parker-Ray house three years ago during an informal conversation between herself and Richard Neeley, owner of Parker-Ray House who lived there with his grandparents; Richard was unwilling to tear it down so offered it up as an addition.
Visitors to this museum can explore a home restored to its original condition, its grounds and facilities including library services, one-room schoolhouse facilities and country store stores as well as collections such as 1921 fire truck equipment and emergency equipment, antique doll building housing as well as agricultural machinery displaying barn.
Raeford-Hoke Museum, nestled between Bowmore and Dundarrach communities of Hoke County, provides the ideal setting for family reunions and weddings with its scenic setting and friendly staff proving popular as a choice venue. Furthermore, private use may also be considered.
