A celebration so historic that it belongs in a museum: The North Carolina Supreme Court Bicentennial Gala and Museum of History Exhibit.

By Jeff Kelly

Earlier this year, our Immediate Past Chair Gregg F. Schwitzgebel III wrote about the significant commemorative period for the North Carolina Judicial System and noted that the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the North Carolina Supreme Court had only just begun.

Throughout 2019, the North Carolina Judicial Branch’s observation of the bicentennial anniversary of the Supreme Court has created several opportunities to showcase the importance of the judiciary and the rule of law through events such as ceremonial sessions, speaking to North Carolinians about civics, and holding oral arguments across North Carolina. Members of the bar have also collaborated to organize several memorable events. Most recently, the bench and bar convened for a spectacular gala hosted by the North Carolina Supreme Court Historical Society. We are also less than a month away from the grand opening of a special exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History that will celebrate our Supreme Court.

North Carolina Supreme Court Historical Society Bicentennial Gala

Every year, the North Carolina Supreme Court Historical Society hosts a dinner to commemorate the inspiring history of our appellate courts and to honor the accomplishments of the bench and bar. While each event is a fantastic opportunity to recognize milestones and achievements, this year was particularly special, as it celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the North Carolina Supreme Court.

After an introduction by Tom Davis, the President of the North Carolina Supreme Court Historical Society, the evening’s engaging program began with special remarks from Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, which set the stage for several presentations.

Tom Earnhardt, acclaimed North Carolina documentarian and co-producer of Exploring North Carolina, previewed an upcoming documentary titled North Carolina Supreme Court at 200, Stability and Change, 1819-2019. The documentary seamlessly weaves interviews and narrative to tell the story of the origin and development of our state’s Supreme Court. This documentary will be presented by the North Carolina Supreme Court Historical Society with support from the North Carolina Bar Foundation Endowment and the Appellate Practice Section. Additional details on the November 14, 2019 premiere are below.

The evening’s celebration continued with amazing tales of perseverance at the intersection of legal practice and glamor from Miss USA 2019 and litigation attorney, Cheslie Kryst. Ms. Kryst is preparing to compete in the Miss Universe 2019 competition, but she continues to provide advice on professional attire through her fashion blog, and she will return to practice in 2020.

The Holton Family also shared the story of Tabitha Ann Holton, who, in 1878, became the first woman licensed to practice law in North Carolina—or any other state in the South, for that matter. Tabitha Holton’s law license was presented to Chief Justice Beasley and will be on display at the North Carolina Museum of History next month.

The gala concluded with the recognition of the women and African American jurists who have served as justices of the North Carolina Supreme Court, the presentation of the Friend of the Court Awards, and closing remarks from Tom Davis. A special thanks to Tom Davis, Gregg Schwitzgebel III, and countless others for organizing such a fantastic tribute to the North Carolina Supreme Court.

North Carolina Museum of History Special Exhibit Grand Opening Ceremony

The North Carolina Museum of History will also celebrate the grand opening for its special exhibit, “Law and Justice: The Supreme Court of North Carolina, 1819-2019,” on the evening of November 14, 2019. The opening reception will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the world premiere screening of the documentary previewed above, North Carolina Supreme Court at 200, Stability and Change, 1819-2019. Based on the sneak peek that we saw at the gala, the documentary will be spectacular. The agenda for the ceremony and registration information can be found here. If you are unable to attend the ceremony, the documentary will also be aired on UNC-TV.

The Museum of History’s special exhibit will be open from November 15, 2019, through May 31, 2020, and it will feature artifacts, images, and texts that serve as milestones and reminders of our Supreme Court’s rich history.