Visitor Information
Visit the “Birthplace of North Carolina’s capital city,” an award-winning heritage site.
Today owned by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina, the Joel Lane House was built circa 1769, in what was then a very rural part of North Carolina. This faithfully-restored plantation manor was once deemed “The Best House for 100 Miles.” Joel Lane is called “The Father of Raleigh” because he sold 1,000 acres of his land to the state in 1792, on which to build the new capital.
Today, we make it our mission to bring American history to life by providing a rich understanding of regional North Carolina history and the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of those who lived in Piedmont North Carolina in the 18th century, with particular emphasis on the life and times of Colonel Joel Lane, his family, and enslaved workers.
Plan a visit to this important historic site, and be transported back in time! Guided tours begin in the Visitors Center at 160 South Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Join our mailing list for occasional e-mailed updates on our events and activities!
Email: joellane@bellsouth.net Phone: 919-833-3431 Fax: 919-833-3431 We encourage non-flash photography. Please post your photos at #joellanehouse or #joellanemuseumhouse
Awards:
- 2014 Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit from Preservation North Carolina for “extensive educational and outreach work as well as the recent restoration of the house, kitchen and visitor center. The Carraway Awards are presented each year to people and organizations demonstrating genuine commitment through extraordinary leadership, research, philanthropy, promotion and/or personal participation in historic preservation.”
- 2012 Anthemion Award from Capital Area Preservation to 40 years of stewardship by the JLMH Board of Directors for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in historic preservation
- 2010 Metro Bravo Award for Best Historic Site—Honorable Mention
- 2009 Metro Bravo Award for Best Historic Site—Honorable Mention
- 2005 Joel Lane inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame
- 2001 Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Community Appearance for the gardens
- 1977 Historic Preservation and Restoration Award from the NC Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
- 1972 awarded the Ruth Coltrane Cannon Cup for achievement in historic preservation by the Historic Preservation Society of North Carolina
- 1972 designated a Raleigh Historic Site
- 1971 listed on the National Register of Historic Places
