Governors exhibit

The exhibit features a plaque with fragments of Apollo 11 mission moon rocks that President Richard Nixon presented to Gov. Bob Scott and his family. [1 of 5]
Gov. Luther H. Hodges, who served from 1954 to 1961, was a former businessman who worked to expand industry. [2 of 5]
Gov. Jim Hunt and First Lady Carolyn Hunt attend the grand opening of the new N.C. Museum of History building (1994). [3 of 5]
Gov. John C. B. Ehringhaus’s wife Matilda wore this inauguration gown (1933). [4 of 5]
Gov. Clyde Roark Hoey (1937–1941) wore this dapper suit while serving as a North Carolina U.S. Senator. [5 of 5]

The exhibit features a plaque with fragments of Apollo 11 mission moon rocks that President Richard Nixon presented to Gov. Bob Scott and his family. (Click on photo to see more from the exhibit.)

Once relatively powerless positions, the roles of governor (and first spouse) have evolved dramatically over time. An exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh explores more than 200 years of gubernatorial history, featuring portraits, photographs and personal clothing as well as artifacts ranging from an inkwell that Gov. Zebulon Vance used during the Civil War to fragments of Apollo 11 moon rocks presented to Gov. Bob Scott in 1969. Visitors also learn about First Lady contributions such as Dottie Martin's Wildflower Program, a highway beautification program that continues today. There's also a special section on campaigns and voting practices. "Leading the State: North Carolina's Governors" runs through Sunday, April 28. (919) 807-7900 or www.ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook.