I think it's going to grow and expand. A range of groups and activities, from the Charlotte Trolley to neighborhood associations to the Jams K. Polk Historic Site in Pineville, detail Charlotte's history. All have been lifted by a rising interest in history over the past 20years, a trend with several sources. The same demographic trend fuels a strong interest in genealogy. Charlotte-Mecklenburg's growth has stirred longtime residents and newcomers alike.
Newcomers arrive with questions.
Morrill believes the development of institutions such as the two history museums has been key. Charlotte had its eyes firmly on the future. Much of what since has been learned about local history was unknown - or forgotten. The landmarks commission's founding in 1974 was important in part because of the research done to designate significant structures and sites. Morrill and other historians dug into Charlotte's history, once focused almost exclusively on the much-debated Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and the profile of history began to rise.