The Levine Museum on Main Street

The Levine Musuem of the New South is a wonderful museum. Tom Hanchett, who is a regular correspondent of this blog, is the historian there. His great book, Sorting Out the New South City, is essential reading for understanding the race and class structure of American urban space. His close analysis of Charlotte's history informs the museum, giving it wisdom and kindness. A lovely review in this week's New York Times captures the essence of that accomplishment. The Museum's Main Street location, like that of the Civil Rights Museum in the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, is much to be celebrated. These showplaces help to create the central energy that is the real gift Main Streets can offer us. Next time you're in Charlotte, be sure to visit the Levine Museum and stroll down the Main Street. You'll enjoy it.

Going to the show

Tom Hanchett, historian at the Levine Museum of the New South, sent along a link to Asheville's page at the site, Going to the Show. It is fascinating to learn about theaters, their locations and their role in daily life in the early 20th century. The site also gives us plenty of ideas for ways to connect information so that we can learn about our cities.