What began as a few outdoor garden beds showcasing North Carolina's agricultural legacy soon will blossom into a living, thriving exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in downtown Raleigh. The museum is partnering with Syngenta, located in Research Triangle Park and Greensboro, to make the exhibit grow.
A first for the museum, the chronological exhibit "History of the Harvest" will connect the state's agricultural past with today's cutting-edge research and development by universities and companies such as Syngenta. This block-long exhibit will flourish in planting beds along Bicentennial Plaza, a well-traveled walkway between the State Capitol and the State Legislative Building.
"History of the Harvest" will serve as an exciting outdoor classroom that gives visitors and passersby a hands-on opportunity to learn firsthand about North Carolina agriculture, from medicinal plants grown by American Indians before European contact to new corn hybrids developed by using advanced plant-breeding technology.
Syngenta's $15,000 sponsorship provides funding support and helps the museum bring the history of the state's agriculture from the past to the present. Syngenta Flowers also provided flowers and Fafard potting mix to the exhibit - and as a result, almost 1,000 flowers will brighten the museum's entranceway.
"The museum's focus is historical, looking back at how people have interacted with the environment," says Emily Grant, youth programs coordinator at the museum. "Our partnership with Syngenta helps bring that story to the present by looking at current trends and practices in the field of agriculture. Syngenta's contributions to agricultural research and development are making history around the world."
Visitors to "History of the Harvest" also will learn about agricultural-related contributions to the state's economy, how North Carolinians have used plants, and the global issues of hunger and sustainable agriculture.
"Syngenta values the opportunity to not only educate museum visitors on the rich agricultural foundation of North Carolina, but also to share the research and development conducted within the state," says Michiel van Lookeren Campagne, president of Syngenta Biotechnology. "North Carolina has always flourished as a leader in research and development, and it continues to pave the way for future innovations in agriculture. Working with the museum on this exhibit allows us to illustrate this evolution - where we've been, where we are now, and where our innovations can take us in the future."
"History of the Harvest" is presented in six sections with distinct planting beds. Large informational signs will guide visitors as they walk along Bicentennial Plaza. All of the crops and flowers will be planted throughout May, allowing visitors to watch the exhibit grow and bloom over the summer.
For more information on the partnership, visit www.ncmuseumofhistory.org.