The Times recently reported on the expansion of Freeman Round House and African American Museum. See the full story online or in the March 10 print edition. I can’t wait to see the new exhibit space!
Freeman Round House
Historically Speaking … Oliver Nestus Freeman (2009).
As plans get underway for the expansion of Freeman Round House and Museum, let’s take a look at a 2009 video about Oliver N. Freeman produced by the City of Wilson. Led by former City Preservation Planner Lu-Ann Monson and featuring granddaughter Mary Frances Banks Tate, this remarkable mini-documentary offers a deep, deep dive into Freeman’s incredible life and work, as well as the story of the museum’s founding and early days.
Round House Museum expansion gets underway!
Wilson Times, 4 March 2025.
Signal Boost: 25 places to learn about North Carolina Black History!
Visit NC Tripping to find “25 Important Places to Learn Black History in North Carolina” — including Freeman Round House and Museum!
Join the O.N. Freeman Architectural House Tour!
Join Ellen Fletcher Russell, architectural historian and writer, and Sarge Russell, carpenter and historian, for an engaging session exploring the life and legacy of the prolific Oliver Nestus Freeman. Participants will learn about his brilliant craftsmanship techniques, the history and resilience of this remarkable architect and builder, and the enduring impact of his work on Wilson’s heritage. Attendees will also gain insights into local preservation efforts and how they can contribute to honoring Freeman’s legacy.
Training School for Bears.
Greensboro Daily News, 11 July 1927.
O. Nestus Freeman not only owned bears as pets, he operated a Training School and offered them for sale to others. [Though described as “Siberian,” it is more likely that these were common American black bears. North Carolina has banned buying, selling, possessing, or keeping bears, except in zoos, since 1975.]
Freeman’s bears. Detail from Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum Photograph Album, Images of North Carolina, http://www.digitalnc.org.
Christmas toy drive at the Round House.
Help brighten a child’s Christmas!
Get your whole giveback on on December 16. Haul some brush in the AM with Lane Street Project, then drop off toys at Freeman Round House that afternoon!
Freeman Round House is accepting new, unwrapped toys for distribution to children by Wilson County Department of Social Services. Please bring items to the museum Saturday, 16 December 2023, between 3:30 and 5:30 P.M.
Thank you!
Downtown mural honors music legacy.
Shout to out to Freeman Round House and African-American Museum, Wilson Arts, and artist Max Dowdle of N.C. Public Art for this celebration of Wilson’s beloved African American Music Trail icons — William E. Myers, the late Sallie B. Howard, the late Gloria Burks, and Samuel C. Lathan!
(Next — a Sam Vick mural?!?)
Call for mural artist.
Wilson Arts and The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House and African American Museum invite muralists located in North Carolina to create a location-specific mural celebrating Wilson as a destination on the African American Music Trail of Eastern North Carolina.
The application deadline is 30 June 2023.
For complete details and to apply, visit https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=11987
This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Freeman Round House collection inventoried.
Beth Nevarez Historical Consulting recently completed a collections inventory project for Wilson’s Freeman Round House and African American Museum. Read more about Beth’s work at bethnevarez.com. (That’s Dr. B.O. Barnes, by the way!)