A Narrative of Greensboro Historical Museum

I arrived at the Greensboro Historical museum with a new set of eyes for my first visit to the City of Greensboro.  On my journey to GHM I passed through the Center City Park, enjoying the cool ambience from the whispering fountains.  In the middle of contemporary high rise architecture, I stepped back in time with my first glance at the museum.  A multi-facted brick structure, the GHM is rich in history of its own right; from its inception as the First Presbyterian Church in 1832, it was set up as a Confederate hospital to receive wounded from the Battle of Bentonville, 1865.  Later in 1875, the first public grade school in North Carolina was built on this site.  All the property and associated buildings were donated to the City of Greensboro in 1937, by the Richardson family for civic purpose.  Looking upon the irregularity of the footprint with its multiple additions and wings, the GHM carries with it all the remembrances of its past.

The latest addition, the main lobby entrance, and the subject of this narrative, was added in 1990.  As grand as it maybe one word describes its presence -- dated!  A small vestibule entrance with the basic of necessities, the entrance to the 2-story lobby captures the tradition of a plantation setting.  One immediately notices the grand circular staircase taking its guests to mezzanine and 2nd floor.  My attention is drawn just before the stairs, to the mauve Oriental rug with a lone, traditional, closed front wooden desk.  Just beyond, and hidden behind the stairs is a very interesting, antique automobile exhibit.  Just across from the exhibit sits a coat rack and a dingy color brown elevator.

On the opposite side of the room is a domestic display of a sewing exhibit; but its luster is detracted by the window sill above, sitting plastic bins collecting water drips.  Behind this exhibit sits an empty circular desk, growing out of the wall, clearly an afterthought, and not a good one.  Just beyond this grouping is an alcove of a reception area for the auditorium.  Once again, a lone wooden desk, this time, open framed, with a small display case sitting behind it.  Just to the right is a seating group, which works well in context, just too few for its intent.  A collection of mis-matched furnishings in a traditional style, of course.

An analogous color scheme in green, pleasant to the eyes, but bland to the emotion.  Streams of bright light penetrate into the lobby through 2-story windows topped in a classical arch with casements to match, and crown molding throughout.  The wall treatments are showing their age with splits and tears.  The carpet is matted, and seen better days with much fewer spills.  The main flooring in the lobby portrays a classical pattern in ceramic tile, still holding its beauty, but can be hazardous when wet.  The pendant lighting droops down with tired yawns.

As I turn around, taking in the full view of the room, I see its dramatic potential with updated design and continuity brought into clear focus with proper lighting and appeal, awarding the Greensboro Historical Museum the honors it richly deserves.