As a society, we remember and take note of the “firsts.” North Carolina is home to many firsts including “First in Flight.” referring to Orville and Wilbur Wright’s glider flight in Kitty Hawk, and the first gold discovery in the United States. The Charlotte Museum of History in Charlotte North Carolina has a few firsts of its own, too. The museum has curated the first documented museum exhibit exclusively dedicated to Mary Cardwell Dawson and the National Negro Opera Company, the nation’s first commercially successful Black opera company.
In 2023, North Carolina Humanities awarded a $20,000 grant to the Charlotte Museum of History for their exhibit “Open Wide the Door: The Story of Mary Cardwell Dawson and the National Negro Opera Company.” The exhibit explores Dawson’s immense impact and the legacy of her opera company, founded in 1941. The exhibit is on display now through February 28, 2025. To learn how you can see the exhibit, please visit: https://charlottemuseum.org/visit/.
We connected with Terri White, president and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History, to learn more about the exhibit and why it’s important to keep history alive.
Tell us about the Charlotte Museum of History!
Terri: At the Charlotte Museum of History, we offer educational programs and host exhibits related to the people, histories, and cultures of those who have made Charlotte their home over the last 250 years and beyond. We are the second oldest museum in the city of Charlotte, and one of the largest museums in the city. The museum is on eight acres in East Charlotte, about an eight-minute drive from Uptown Charlotte where many of the city’s major cultural institutions are located. We take care of five historic buildings, including the oldest home in Mecklenburg County, the 1774 Alexander Rock House and, most recently, we relocated the 100-year-old Siloam School, which was built during the Rosenwald School era. Bringing the Siloam School to our grounds was an eight-year-long project. Today, we have a Siloam Educator Institute where we work with teachers to help them integrate the concepts of segregation and the way the world was a hundred years ago into their curricula. Having the school and the institute at the museum showcases our commitment to being an inclusive space.
What was the inspiration for creating the “Open Wide the Door” exhibit?
Terri: This exhibit is the first documented museum exhibit exclusively dedicated to Mary Cardwell Dawson and the National Negro Opera Company. My hometown is Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the story of the National Negro Opera Company was one that I grew up hearing. When I moved to North Carolina I realized not everyone knew who Mary Cardwell Dawson was. My immediate thought was, “What an opportunity! Our museum can tell this story from a perspective that traditionally isn’t thought about – the National Negro Opera Company’s ties to the Piedmont region.” I wanted this exhibit to underscore that “history” is a way to talk about the things that shape our society. For over a year we worked with the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, and two museums in Pittsburgh to curate the exhibit. It was named “Best Exhibit in Charlotte” by the public, and it received international press in Opera Magazine, a European magazine purely dedicated to opera. We’ve had people from all over the world come see the exhibit, and we’re really proud of that.
Who was Mary Cardwell Dawson?
Terri: Mary Cardwell Dawson was born on Valentine’s Day 1894 in Madison, North Carolina. She eventually moved to Pittsburgh and then went on to the New England Conservatory to study classical music. She realized that African Americans were not being given the same opportunities in the classical arts that others were. Her argument was that music has no race; the stage has no race; African Americans should be able to perform just like everybody else because we have talent. So, she set out to create an opera company. It was not the first. We know of at least two that predate it, but the National Negro Opera Company was, by far, to date, the most successful Black opera company of all time. The National Negro Opera Company lasted about 20 years and died when Mary Cardwell Dawson passed away, but people are rediscovering her legacy, and this story is starting to come back to life.
What can people expect to see in the exhibit?
Terri: The exhibit begins by explaining opera as an art form, how it differs from musicals, and what the different vocal ranges are. In one of our rooms, you can use headphones to listen to all of the operas that we talk about within the history portion of the exhibit. The main gallery features displays about people of color in the classical arts prior to Mary Cardwell Dawson. There is also a short video that showcases 123 years of African Americans in opera. The exhibit then features Mary Cardwell Dawson’s life, the National Negro Opera Company, and other Black opera companies that have been founded since. I think the highlight of the exhibit is our display of costumes from Opera Carolina’s 2022 Aida production and five actual costumes from the National Negro Opera Company. What strikes a lot of people is how bright and vibrant the colors of the National Negro Opera Company costumes are. One thing we are still working on is figuring out which opera each costume went to because there is no record. Because of that, we want people to understand that history happens to us every day. What you may not think is a big deal today, could be in 50, 60, or 100 years. So, at the museum we ask people to think about what things in their life they could save, or what items help them tell their story.
What was your experience working with North Carolina Humanities?
Terri: The museum has been through a period of growth over the last several years. We wouldn’t have survived in the current economic environment and been able to do the things we’ve been able to do, including this exhibit, if it were not for North Carolina Humanities. We’re thankful that North Carolina Humanities has believed in our work and supported us. North Carolina Humanities is the second largest contributor to the “Open Wide the Door” exhibit and the largest non-corporate partner. The support of North Carolina Humanities and others signals that we are helping people connect to valuable history and information in meaningful ways. I would recommend everyone work with North Carolina Humanities.
Why do you think the humanities, history, and culture are important?
Terri: The humanities are the foundation of our society. The humanities help us learn about each other and our similarities and differences. I don’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t at the library, or a museum, or being exposed to the visual and performing arts. Going to these places showed me a world beyond what I saw in my day-to-day life. Having that knowledge gave me empathy and grace for other people, it got me interested in other cultures, and it really shaped my humanity. I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for the humanities.
How can people support the Charlotte Museum of History?
Terri: The most direct way people can support the museum is to donate. Volunteering is always an appreciated contribution, too. Finally, please come to our events! There is nothing that makes us happier than seeing people engage with the museum and be excited about our exhibits, documentaries, book talks, and programs. We look forward to seeing you at the museum soon!
About North Carolina Humanities’ Grantee Spotlights: NC Humanities’ Grantee Spotlights shine a light on the incredible work of our grantee partners, offering details about their funded project, and feature a Q&A with a team member(s) associated with the organization. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Cover photo: Mary Cardwell Dawson at age 31 (courtesy of Library of Congress Music Division)
