NC Highway Patrol Retirees Association

The Hall of History Board of Directors have been working diligently over the past 18 months to establish a Highway Patrol Exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. After numerous meetings involving several agencies the planning finally became reality on Friday, 29 January 2015. A media event was held at the museum to mark the opening of the exhibit. Several media outlets were present as well as a room full of onlookers. Uniform patrol members, civilian members and others listened as Patrol Commander Colonel Bill Grey, Museum Director Ken Howard, Captain John Iversson and myself addressed those in attendance.

The following was the message I gave to the audience:

"Good morning. Thank you all for taking time out to be here. My name is Randy Glover, Retired Colonel of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. I am also the Chairman of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Hall of History. The idea for the HOH originally was conceived in 1985. But due to unforeseen circumstances it only became a footnote in our history. In 2008 I began an effort to revive the original idea with the assistance of specific people who have demonstrated an unquestionable respect, honor and love for the past, present and future of the Highway Patrol.

Now assembled as the Hall of History Board of Directors, those members have given tirelessly of their time to make the HOH what it is today. A not-for-profit educational organization who's general purpose is to provide for the establishment and operation of a museum to document and preserve the history of the Highway Patrol. We will attempt to achieve this by gathering information, artifacts, pictures and equipment, etc. that depict the history of the Highway Patrol. Our vision is to build a structure that incorporates the characteristics of a museum, learning center and meeting place into one unique facility.

To better evaluate the progress of our mission is why we are here today. When the HOH Board of Directors began discussing the possibility of a Highway Patrol Exhibit here at this location, we realized we could not have sole ownership in this endeavor. Upon developing a partnership with the Highway Patrol, the North Carolina Museum of History and the dedicated efforts of a HOH Sub-committee consisting of Retired Colonel Fletcher Clay, Retired Lieutenant Ed Maness, active Captain John Iversson and Retired Trooper David King, the exhibit you have today is the results.

I specifically wish to thank Colonel Grey and his staff for their support and devotion to this project. This is the first long-term Highway Patrol Exhibit here. Thanks to Museum Director Ken Howard and his staff who made this exhibit a reality. They worked wonders to accommodate us while developing this exhibit. Finally, thank you to the HOH Board of Directors and Captain John Iversson who paved the way for this exhibit.

In my opinion, we have fallen far short of formally organizing and preserving the Highway Patrol's history. Not only for those who have been a part of the organization, but those who have been served by the organization. This is only a fraction of the Highway Patrol's history. We sincerely hope this is only the beginning of a long-term venture to recognize an organization with such a rich history. And to honor those who have dedicated so much of their lives, and some their lives, to protect and preserve a great way of life for those who live and visit the great State of North Carolina."

The exhibit will be in place through July 2015. We invite everyone to visit the exhibit to learn, and in some cases reminisce, while observing and reading many of the displays. Spread the word and tell your family and friends. If anyone has any Highway Patrol historical information and/or artifacts, please do not hesitate to contact myself or any HOH Board Member. You may call (919) 291-1456 or contact by e-mail at: ncshphallofhistory@gmail.com  or refer to the donation tab on this site.

Sincerely,

Randy Glover, Chairman

North Carolina State Highway Patrol

Hall of History