Raleigh's Historic Fourth Ward Honored in New Exhibit

The Magic of the Fourth Ward exhibit at the Martin Marietta Center showcases the vibrant history of this predominantly Black neighborhood before urban renewal.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new permanent exhibit called The Magic of the Fourth Ward has opened at the Betty Ray McCain Art Gallery in the Martin Marietta Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. The exhibit tells the story of the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood, which was established by newly freed people after the Civil War and later devastated by urban renewal efforts in the 1970s. The exhibit features photos, artifacts, records, and oral histories collected from former residents, highlighting the rich culture and legacy of this predominantly Black community.

Why it matters

The Fourth Ward was one of the largest Black neighborhoods in Raleigh, but much of its history has been overlooked until now. This exhibit aims to formally recognize and honor the significance of the Fourth Ward, which was largely destroyed by urban renewal projects that displaced many residents and removed three historic Black churches from the area.

The details

The exhibit, which is open on the first Thursday of each month and during public performances at the Martin Marietta Center, features a collection of photos, artifacts, records, and oral histories gathered by NC State graduate students as part of the Fourth Ward Oral History Project. The exhibit tells the story of how the Fourth Ward was established by newly freed people after the Civil War and went on to become a vibrant, predominantly Black neighborhood before being devastated by urban renewal efforts in the 1970s.

  • The Magic of the Fourth Ward exhibit opened in February 2026.
  • The exhibit is open on the first Thursday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and during all public performances at the Martin Marietta Center.

The players

Octavia Rainey

A community activist and Fourth Ward historian who said the exhibit "honors the history of our neighborhood and legacy of the three Black churches that were removed during urban renewal."

NC State graduate students

Collected the oral histories and other materials featured in the exhibit as part of the Fourth Ward Oral History Project.

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What they’re saying

“The Fourth Ward is finally being formally recognized as one of the largest Black neighborhoods. This achievement honors the history of our neighborhood and legacy of the three Black churches that were removed during urban renewal.”

— Octavia Rainey, Community activist and Fourth Ward historian (Press release)

The takeaway

This exhibit shines a much-needed spotlight on the vibrant history and legacy of Raleigh's Fourth Ward, a predominantly Black neighborhood that was devastated by urban renewal efforts in the 1970s. By preserving the stories and artifacts of this community, the exhibit helps to ensure that this important chapter of Raleigh's history is not forgotten.