The North Carolina Museum of History Foundation recently announced the recipients of its 2018 Philanthropy Awards, which recognize outstanding contributions to the preservation, study or understanding of North Carolina history.
Awards went to BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and CEO Emeritus J. Bradley Wilson, Ann Baggett Goodnight and Dr. James Howard Goodnight, and Betty Ray McCain.
The 2018 Philanthropy Awards were presented at the Carolina Country Club. Dr. W. Randolph Woodson, chancellor at North Carolina State University, was keynote speaker.
J. Bradley Wilson
J. Bradley Wilson, CEO Emeritus of BlueCross and BlueShield of North CarolinaBlue Cross NC CEO Emeritus J. Bradley Wilson received the Leadership, Education, Service, and Support award for visionary leadership in the study and understanding of North Carolina history and providing support to history museums, historic sites, or other repositories of the history of our state.
Blue Cross NC has had a long and beneficial relationship with the North Carolina Museum of History, helping to create the award-winning exhibit, Health and Healing Experiences in North Carolina. Most recently, it has supported a reinterpretation of the museum’s popular 1920s pharmacy installation, an environment that features original fixtures from the former J.C. Brantley Drugstore in downtown Raleigh.
Its support of educational programs and community celebrations, such as the annual American Indian Heritage Celebration and African American Cultural Celebration, our live-streaming program series (LIVE!), and the N.C. Museum of History Foundation’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Together these programs have served tens of thousands of North Carolinians across the state.
Wilson was a practicing attorney and during his 22-year career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC exemplified the principle of servant leadership.
Ann Baggett Goodnight and Dr. James Howard Goodnight
Ann Baggett Goodnight and Dr. James Howard GoodnightAnn Baggett Goodnight and Dr. James Howard Goodnight’s generosity and leadership have greatly benefited the N.C. Museum of History. In addition to their contributions to the Museum’s endowment, the Goodnights have focused their support for the museum on exhibits and programs with strong educational components, such as History in Every Direction: Tar Heel Junior Association Discovery Gallery. The Goodnights have also been instrumental in developing the N.C. Museum of History Foundation’s Distinguished Lecture Series.
Betty Ray McCain
Betty Ray McCainBetty Ray McCain has been called upon frequently to serve the people of North Carolina, most notably as secretary of Cultural Resources (NCDCR) under Governor Jim Hunt—and she’s always answered those calls with her effortless charm, subtle wit, and keen intelligence. During her tenure as secretary at NCDCR, McCain worked tirelessly to raise the department’s profile. One of her major accomplishments was securing the site and overseeing the building of the current North Carolina Museum of History. As former president of the North Carolina Museum of History Associates (MOHA), McCain was determined that the state have a dedicated location for its history museum.
First Citizens Wealth Management was the corporate sponsor of the Philanthropy Awards, with additional support from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, CE Rentals, Kelly Odom Flowers and Interiors, the North Carolina Museum of History, MOHA (the North Carolina Museum of History Associates), The Museum Shop, and The Special Events Company.