Redefining the New South in Charlotte, with Richard Cooper

The Levine Museum of the New South is preparing for a major new chapter — one that museum leaders hope will help redefine how Charlotte engages with history, community and public conversation. After years without a permanent home, the museum plans to relocate to a new South End campus that blends modern design with the preservation of a historic church site, while expanding its role as both a cultural institution and a civic gathering space.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Levine Museum president and CEO Richard Cooper discusses the museum’s search for a new home, why South End emerged as the right fit and how the institution has continued growing its audience even without a permanent building. The conversation also explores:

• How the museum plans to preserve and incorporate the historic Grace Covenant Church site into the new campus
• Why community feedback is shaping everything from exhibits to gathering spaces and family programming
• How technology like AI, virtual reality and interactive design could play a role in the future museum experience
• What “New South” means in 2026 and how the South continues evolving culturally and demographically
• Why museums and libraries remain among the country’s most trusted institutions during a divisive political era
• How the Levine Museum hopes to become both a history museum and a community hub where difficult conversations can happen safely
• The challenges of funding and building a major cultural institution in one of America’s fastest-growing cities

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is presented by PBS Charlotte's Unspun program, helping you learn what politicians are thinking but not saying. Hosted by former governor Pat McCrory.

This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks. For more information on The Charlotte Ledger, go to TheCharlotteLedger.com.