Joel Lane Museum House

The Birthplace of North Carolina’s Capital

Built in 1769, this landmark is Wake County’s oldest existing home. It became the “Birthplace of North Carolina’s Capital” when Joel Lane sold 1,000 acres to the state in 1792 for the formation of the new capital.

Visit the Revolutionary world of early North Carolina
Explore the beginnings of Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, and the United States—from the colonial era, through the Revolutionary War, into the first years of a new nation. Discover history as it’s rarely taught: compelling human stories, told with accuracy and compassion by costumed docents who personalize each tour for our guests.

Beautiful Neo-Colonial garden featuring espaliered fruit trees, pomegranate trees, a grape arbor and brick walkways. Herb garden features medicinal and culinary herbs. Free admission to garden only. Garden Hours: Daily, sunrise -sunset. Docent-guided tours, which include the historic home, discuss colonial uses of herbs and some modern-day applications.

Walk-ins welcome. All tours are guided. The museum is not open to individual walkthrough.

See website for regular tour times, which typically occurs Wednesdays - Saturdays.