Library exhibit tells the story of 4-H

As North Carolina 4-H wound down its centennial celebration of 2009, an exhibit at N.C. State’s D.H. Hill Library was teaching visitors about the links between N.C. State and 4-H, while showing how today’s 4-H continues the traditions of service through head, heart, hands and health.

Thearon McKinney and Mitzi Downing of the 4-H Youth Development and Family & Consumer Sciences Department worked with designers Lincoln Hancock and Tania Allen to create the exhibit that ran through July 24, the close of State 4-H Congress. The exhibit included 4-H memorabilia, such as project books, pins, even uniforms worn by 4-H’ers of bygone days. Each piece — such as the signature hat worn by L.R. Harrill or the green jacket worn by a man from Caldwell County — came with a story.

Among exhibit contributors was Dr. Jim Clark, author of Clover All Over: North Carolina’s First 4-H Century.

—Natalie Hampton