Deborah Triplett

She's the Boss: Mary Davis Smart | History Buff

When Mary Davis became president and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History almost a year ago, it was the culmination of a career-long desire to foster history education and preservation. “I’ve always been very interested in historic preservation,” says Mary Davis, who has worked in education, as an educational consultant for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, and as a historical writer/researcher.

She hopes that in her new role, she’ll help her fellow Charlotteans learn more about their city’s important roots, beginning with the museum’s Hezekiah Alexander House, the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County (it was built circa 1774), and ending with the museum’s ever-changing exhibits, including Toy Time, an exhibition of larger-than-life folk toys from the Charlotte area. “We’re the best-kept secret in Charlotte,” Mary Davis says. “I don’t think anyone should come to or live in Charlotte without coming here.”

~Aleigh Acerni