Thomas Day was a freeborn Black artisan renowned for his work in North Carolina and Virginia. Known as an enslaver with ties to northern abolitionists and the American Colonization Society, Day illustrates the moral complexities of life in pre-Civil War North Carolina. In this presentation, Assistant Site Manager David Rayburn of Thomas Day State Historic Site will discuss Day's contradictory life and the research conducted since his home and workshop were acquired by the State of North Carolina in 2024.
The History for Lunch program is held in conjunction with the exhibit Crafted from Wood, which closes December 31, 2026. Throughout time, carvers, cabinetmakers, furniture makers, and carpenters have been crafting objects to serve as functional, social, and aesthetic pieces of work. Signatures or marks left by the craftsperson, whether incised/scratched or those of chalk, paint, pencil, or ink, allow a piece of wood to be transformed into a reflection of society, culture, economics, and trade. The exhibit Crafted from Wood explores the gift of crafting treasures from wood while highlighting the training and abilities of the crafter.
To attend the lecture virtually, register in advance to receive the meeting link. Registration is not required to attend the lecture in person.