Located on the Billy Graham Parkway in Charlotte, N.C., Graham’s hometown, the 40,000 square foot library is built to resemble a large barn, symbolic of his formative years as the son of a dairy farmer. More importantly, the front of the barn is dominated by a giant glass cross to give honor to Jesus Christ, whom Graham proclaimed constantly over decades.
Before visitors arrive at the library’s main facility, they have the chance to see an important preserved piece of history: the Graham Family Homeplace, where Billy Graham spent many of his early years on the family farm. The actual home, built by Graham’s father in the 1920s, has been relocated and reconstructed and is open for visitors to tour. Inside the house are early family photos, the typewriter that Graham’s mother used for correspondence, and other artifacts of family history.
It’s then just a short walk to the library, where visitors are greeted by sounds of farm animals and a rustic interior with exposed wooden beams adorned with Bible verses. To begin the experience, visitors hear from Bessie, an animatronic talking cow that colorfully introduces the story of Billy Graham.
The first exhibit represents one of the most important historical events in Billy Graham’s ministry: the famous 1949 Los Angeles Crusade, which launched him into national prominence. A small replica of the “canvas cathedral” — the tent in which the meetings were held — transports visitors back in time, with vintage signage, wooden seats and an old podium. A captivating video shows a young Billy Graham, pacing the stage, swinging his arms in grand gestures, and exhorting his audience to put their faith in Jesus Christ.
The next room details the loving relationship between Graham and his late wife, Ruth — from their early days at Wheaton College to their elderly years in the mountains of North Carolina. No historical account of Billy Graham would be complete without the acknowledgement of Ruth’s tremendous impact on his life and ministry. In fact, Graham called his wife “the greatest Christian I’ve ever known.”
From there, visitors find out more about Billy Graham’s effective use of media to spread the Gospel message to the masses — including radio, television and film. Another room includes multiple television sets showing video clips dating from the 1960s to Graham’s address in the National Cathedral after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
One of the most striking features in the library is the room covering Billy Graham’s experiences behind the so-called “Iron Curtain” that characterized the division between democracy and communism during the Cold War. Visitors are confronted with a replica of the Berlin Wall, with graffiti modeled after the actual structure, and a military checkpoint.
The library includes many pieces of memorabilia from Billy Graham’s ministry, including personal Bibles and notes from American presidents. Visitors will also learn about the many amazing men and women who made up Billy Graham’s team, and who helped him in his ministry over the decades. One room contains incorrectly addressed letters, such as the one sent to “Billy Graham, Many Apples, Many Soda” — which reached his ministry’s former headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Billy Graham Library is a journey through time, telling not only the story of a humble farm boy who became an international historical figure, but also the story he proclaimed over decades to millions of people all over the world — the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Billy Graham Library is currently closed for renovations, but will reopen in early spring 2010. The library is located at 4330 Westmont Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217. Admission and parking are free.
