Joel Lane (1739-1795) is known as “the Father of Raleigh.” He built his plantation home in the 1770s on the site of what is now Raleigh. Colonel Lane was involved in North Carolina’s transition from colony to state and with Raleigh being chosen as the state’s capital. As a farmer, it is estimated he had at least 27 slaves working on the plantation. Florence Mitchell talked about the life of Joel Lane and presented her research on what can be known about his slaves. She showed slides during her presentation and responded to questions from members of the audience. 
The lecture “Joel Lane and the Enslaved People Who Lived on His Plantation” was part of the Joel Lane Museum House celebration of Black History Month. It was held in the Visitors Center.