History of
The May 20th Society
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The May 20th Society was created in 2003 and has cultivated a progressive educational program to not only celebrate the history of Mecklenburg County, but honor the significance of history through numerous community projects and events with world-renowned leaders and historians. Each year, The May 20th Society continues to evolve its program by introducing and participating in several community projects including:
- A speaker series that has featured prominent historians such as Cokie Roberts, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Ken Burns, David McCullough, Jeff Shaara, Andrew Roberts, Isabel Wilkerson, Neil Howe and Michael Beschloss.

- Construction and unveiling of the Captain James Jack statue, The Spirit of Mecklenburg, on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

- A partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools where The May 20th Society Youth Lecture Series educates students on Charlotte history.
- An annual MecDec noon observance commemoration for the general public on Charlotte’s Independence Square.
- Unveiling of the Matheson Bridge Mural in NoDa.
- Partnership with Olde Mecklenburg Brewery for their Captain James Jack Pilsner.
- Annual MeckDec Day at the new BB&T Ballpark in uptown Charlotte.

- Sponsorship of planting of the Liberty Tree in Freedom Park.
- Funded and sponsored Revolutionary figure segwalloons in Charlotte’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade.
- Sustaining and working with historic and resource groups and partners across the region with a host of talented colonial re-enactors for commemorative events. Rosedale Plantation, the Charlotte History Museum, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Libraries are just a few places we count as partners in bringing the story of the MeckDec to the community.
- Proudly sponsored the James Jack Bike Ride to commemorate Captain Jack’s historic ride from Charlotte to Philadelphia.
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