Electrifying the Carolinas: the Personal Story

A century ago, Charlotte emerged as a national leader in the new technology of electricity. WS Lee was the pioneering engineer for what is now Duke Energy. Members of the Lee family will share never-heard-before stories about towering figures from Charlotte’s past. Bill Williamson will talk about his grandfather WS Lee, who worked with James Buchanan Duke, owner of The Duke Mansion and founder of Duke University. States Lee will remember his father, Bill Lee, one of the iconic leaders not only of Duke Energy but of Charlotte - and for whom The Lee Institute is named. Lisa Lee Morgan, part of the new generation of the family, will talk about her involvement in green and renewable energy -- key elements of the field today. Energy is a core reason for Charlotte’s economic development in the 20th century and an essential focus for future economic growth. Discover more about Charlotte through this unique perspective. The afternoon will be hosted by Levine Museum of the New South historian Dr. Tom Hanchett. For more information, call 704.714. 4400. Join us for a personal look at William States Lee and Bill Lee by members of the Lee family and a conversation about the future of energy. Come hear about this important history at the Duke Mansion on Sunday November 14th, at 3pm.

In Honor of Charlotte's Veterans

From World War II to Iraq: Charlotte's Veterans Look Back CPCC historian Gary Ritter screens selections from his documentary on Charlotte-area veterans from WWII to the present, followed by a discussion with veterans interviewed in the documentary. They'll describe their experiences at war and returning home, and how what happened was so different from what they expected. Our country's reactions to war have varied greatly from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. Share a fascinating and moving afternoon with local veterans who have seen war firsthand and survived attacks, ship explosions, and other disasters to share their stories with us. Ritter, a history teacher at CPCC, explores the past regularly as host of “Trail of History” on Central Piedmont Community College TV (Channel 17 on Time-Warner Cable).

When: Sunday, November 7, 3:00 pm

Where: The Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road in Charlotte.

This event is free. Questions? Call 704/714-4400.

“From World War II to Iraq: Charlotte’s Veterans Look Back” is part of the Explore History! Series, presented by Levine Museum of the New South and The Duke Mansion.

Where did the Spring go?

There is a reason why I haven’t posted since March, I promise. We’ve been moving a million miles an hour since then and I finally have a minute to sit down and fill you in on what we’ve been up to. Let’s just go ahead and say – We’re Open for Weddings! What an amazing thing it is to be part of the couples bit day. We have been blessed with amazing couples and their families and friends. We’ve seen all kinds of weddings and wedding receptions. From the airy white to the retro black and pink. From the outdoor wedding by the Lions Head Fountain to the intimate indoor ceremony in the Grand Foyer. Each event has taken on its own personality – just the way it should. Of course we wouldn’t be able to do it without the cities best wedding planners, DJ’s, bands, florists, lighting experts, car services, photographers, event rentals (from dance floors to linen), and photo booths experts! More to come!

Another beautiful day at The Duke Mansion

We just love this tree! It’s one of the first to bloom every year and is a sure sign that spring is finally here! We have a bride coming in today for her bridal portraits – could she have a prettier day?

Spring is Here~

I’m not sure if this has been a really long winter, or if I’m so ready for spring I can hardly stand it. But this weather is amazing – and it makes me want to tackle that list I made back on January 1st. Those dreaded New Years resolutions should really be put off until the first day of spring when we feel rejuvenated, energized, and ready to tackle the world. On the top of the list was “Start blogging”. So – three and a half months after that list was made, we’re up and running! Through this blog you will hear about events taking place at the Mansion, you will “meet” our chef and try out some of his amazing recipes, and you will get a behind the scene view of what its like to work at this beautiful Mansion. So – here we go! We’re blogging! www.dukemansion.org