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May Issue 2006
Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, NC, Celebrates 15 Years with new Exhibition
The Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, NC, will hosts an Out of the Box Birthday Party celebrating its 15th birthday and the opening of the new exhibit The Box That Changed The World, on view from May 1 through June 30, 2006. In addition to the celebration the Levine Museum will announce a major new project for the community.
In 1990 a shared idea between Sally Robinson and Mecklenburg Historical Association's Anne Batten began taking shape. The idea evolved and on Apr. 25, 1991, the Museum of the New South was officially incorporated. Since the date of incorporation fifteen years ago, the museum has been a "Museum Without Walls," moved into a permanent home, completed a successful capital campaign, closed and been a "Museum on the Move" during a major renovation, and finally reopened as Levine Museum of the New South in Oct. 2001. Since reopening, the museum has presented major exhibits and extensive programming that have garnered community support, media attention, and national awards.
In 1956, North Carolina trucking entrepreneur Malcom McLean introduced a ground-breaking concept. His company SeaLand pioneered truck-trailers that could be lifted off their wheels and placed on a railroad car or on a ship - drastically cutting loading costs and shipping time, and ultimately transforming commerce. Apr. 26, 2006, marks the 50th anniversary of the invention of these "boxes" and containerized shipping, a turning-point in the rise of today's globalized economy.
The Box That Changed The World is a new outdoor exhibit created by Levine Museum of the New South that tells the story of this New South invention. The exhibit is comprised of two actual shipping containers: a unit provided by Charlotte-based Horizon Lines, the nation's leading domestic ocean container shipping and logistics company, and a South African spaza (convenience store) adapted from a container. Text and image panels explore the shipping container's history, while images by South Africa-based photographer Jeff Barbee depict modern unconventional uses of the containers, such as functioning as convenience stores, apartments, libraries and restaurants. Visitors will experience topics from vernacular architecture to global economics to human creativity.
The Out of the Box Birthday Party and exhibit opening celebration will take place under the tent across the street from the museum on Seventh Street on May 1, from 5:30 -7pm. Cake and light refreshments will be served. The party is free and open to the public. Reservations are requested by calling 704/333-1887 ext. 501.
Remarks and a toast will be made at 6:15pm, followed by an exciting announcement unveiling a new project, and the organization whose support is making it possible.
For further information check our NC Institutional
Gallery listings, call Ashley Thurmond at 704/333-1887, ext. 242
or e-mail at (athurmond@museumofthenewsouth.org).
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