History
The Edward Cheek House, built in 1874, stood vacant for 20 years before being purchased on April 6, 1988, by the late David Birdsong. After learning that the house's history was steeped in the Reconstruction era (1865-1877) of African American history, he decided in 2018 to develop it into a museum. Birdsong was an educator and historian, and the longest-serving volunteer at the NC Halifax Visitors Center. Mr. Birdsong passed away in December 2024.
The museum is ironically located on Lot 16 in the heart of the Halifax Historic District and is a designated 1872 Reconstruction Era dwelling to be used as an African American Heritage Center. It was also registered on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011 and is the only known African American Heritage Center in northeastern NC. The property was initially owned by the white planter Mr. William Eaton Fenner (1807-1903), who sold it in 1870 for $75 to Reverend Annais Buck. Reverend Buck was a blacksmith, pastor, teacher, and founder of the existing Halifax Baptist Church on St David Street. He originally intended the property to become Halifax's first public school for African American students.
However, when the school failed to materialize due to insufficient funds, the property reverted to Fenner and was sold in 1873 to African American John H. Hannon for $125 to build a house. Hannon was one of three African American Postmasters in Halifax during Reconstruction. Mrs. Cora Davis was the first (1889-1890), Hannon served 1890-1893, and Edward Cheek served 1897-1901, the house's namesake. Hannon shared his home from the late 1800s to the 1900s with Cheek and his wife, Mary E. Arrington, and they reared 10 children there. The family of Edward Cheek and his sister, Gillie Cheek Bell, were the last to occupy the house before it was closed in 1947.
The Vision of Edward Cheek
On July 12, 2022, David Birdsong donated the Edward Cheek House to the Board of the Edward Cheek House Museum, Inc. His comments to the Daily Herald Newspaper at that time were, "I'm passionate about telling this story to African-American communities," "I think this house has a story to be told," and "I want to see the people of all races together." Birdsong said the word he would use is 'happy' when asked how he felt about handing over the home's key. "This is my dream come true — it really is," he said. "I've worked and prayed for years that the people would come together, and now they are all just blossoming out of nowhere."
The organization was incorporated as a nonprofit on October 31, 2018. The ongoing restoration and preservation of the Historic Edward Cheek House offers a unique opportunity for research, interpretation, and more. Preserving this property provides the African American community with a physical structure to preserve the black experience and that of others, such as Native Americans. The Board has entered into a Historic Preservation agreement with The Preservation Foundation of North Carolina to protect the historic integrity of the Edward Cheek House.
PRESERVING THE FUTURE
Guided by the vision of David Birdsong, The Edward Cheek House is a living testament to the resilience of our community. Our educational mission ensures that the stories of the Reconstruction era—its challenges, achievements, and vibrant Black history—remain a cornerstone of our shared identity. Join us in our work to keep this essential legacy alive.