Elizabeth Reid Murray Collection
The Elizabeth Reid Murray Collection consists of research files compiled by Murray (1925 – 2014), a noted local historian who wrote WAKE: Capital County of NC, volumes 1 and 2, and From Raleigh’s Past. The Elizabeth Reid Murray collection is particularly strong in Wake County architecture, business and industry, people, and towns and communities. The collection is contained in 612 boxes arranged alphabetically by topic, and encompasses nearly one hundred Wake County-related subjects spanning over two hundred years.
Selections available digitally:
- Research Notes Folder 25 - Elizabeth Reid Murray Correspondence
- Wake, Capital County of North Carolina, Volume 1: Prehistory through Centennial
- Research Notes Folder 22 - Page Family
Lewis P. Watson Collection
The Lewis P. Watson Collection consists of negatives and prints taken by Watson, a horticultural specialist and photographer. Watson (1905-1996) worked with the Agricultural Extension Service at NC State College and later opened his own photography studio. Due to his agricultural background, this collection is particularly strong in that subject, focusing on Wake County individuals, organizations, businesses, and industries. The collection is contained in 63 boxes arranged alphabetically by subject, and dates from 1948-1975.
Selections available digitally:
Mollie Huston Lee Collection
The Mollie Huston Lee Collection consists of vertical files and books, which are housed at the Richard B. Harrison Community Library, and academic materials, which are housed at Shaw University’s James Cheek Library. Lee (1907-1982), was the first Black librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the founder of the Richard B. Harrison Public Library, which was the first library in Raleigh to serve Black patrons. This collection documents individuals, institutions, and events significant in Raleigh’s history from around 1917 – 1996.
The vertical files have been digitized and are available through the North Carolina Digital Heritage Center.
For more information visit our Mollie Huston Lee Collection page.
Edythe Medlin Tippet Collection
The Edythe Medlin Tippett Collection consists of clippings, photographs, slides, and research material related to the history of Zebulon, Wakefield, and Little River Township in Wake County. Tippett (1929 -2012), spent her entire life in Zebulon and wrote the book, History of Zebulon and Vicinity. The collection is contained in six boxes and ranges in date from approximately 1900 – 2003.
Beth G Crabtree Collection
The Beth Gilbert Crabtree Collection consists of clippings, correspondence, manuscripts, photographs, postcards, publications, research files, and slides. Crabtree (1916-1990) worked for the Division of Archives and History, and was the co-editor of Journal of a Secesh Lady: The Diary of Catherine Ann Devereux Edmondston, 1860-1866. This collection is particularly strong in Crabtree’s research and subject files, as well as copies of her “Looking Back” column in The Raleigh Times, all of which cover Raleigh and Wake County history topics. The collection is contained in 99 boxes which date from 1957 – 1990.
Elizabeth Norris Collection
The Elizabeth E. Norris Collection consists of maps, publications, and research files compiled by Norris, a local historian and preservationist. Norris (1925 – 2004) was a native of Raleigh and wrote extensively on the city. Much of the collection focuses on historic families, buildings, and cemeteries in the City of Raleigh. The collection is contained in 21 boxes arranged alphabetically by subject, and dates from 1867-1997.