Help commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir Walter Raleigh with a remembrance at the State Capitol, 1 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh, on Saturday, October 27th, 2018, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The celebration is free and open to all. You don’t need to register for it.
Even 400 years after his death, Sir Walter Raleigh continues to intrigue! Raleigh sponsored three expeditions to Roanoke colony in the 1580s, the earliest British attempt to settle North America. In 1792, North Carolina’s legislature honored this feat by naming the state’s new capital city for the explorer, soldier, and writer.
Here’s what’s going on at the event:
- Demonstrations of Elizabethan-era life on the Capitol grounds
- Re-enactors, including a portrayal of Sir Walter, will interact with visitors
- Dance demonstrations
- Elizabethan game play
- Brass rubbing activity station
- Scriptorium activity station
- Tailoring demonstrations
Inside the Capitol, visitors are invited to view a rare copy of a 1652 edition of The History of the World, written by Raleigh. The book is on short-term loan from the UNC Libraries at UNC Chapel Hill.
At 3 p.m., a formal ceremony commemorating Raleigh’s life and legacy will be held in the historic House Chamber.
NC Secretary of State Elaine Marshall will give remarks and dignitaries representing North Carolina and British organizations will participate.
