NC State Extension Timeline for Cyma Rubin Gallery

Alexander Bailey was hired by the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station (located at A&M College) as the first African American agricultural extension agent.

Home Demonstration began when the first Girls' Clubs were formed. They focused primarily on tomato canning and gardening and were also called Tomato Clubs. In 1912-1913, mothers of Girls' Club members formed the first Home Demonstration clubs for adult women.

Jane S. McKimmon became the first woman to serve as a state home demonstration agent through the Agricultural Extension program at A&M College.

The Smith-Lever Act provided for federal, state, and county cooperation in creating a system to expand demonstration and extension work for men and women. The law authorized land-grant colleges to sign memoranda of understanding with the USDA to begin such work. NC State then created a new Department of Extension, which became the Agricultural Extension Service.

The first club for African American youth was created in Sampson County under the leadership of G. W. Herring.

The first annual 4-H Club Week was held in Raleigh. This annual event later became known as the NC 4-H Congress.

The first Home Demonstration programs were organized for African American women.

North Carolina Home Demonstration clubs joined to create the North Carolina Federation of Home Bureaus. It was decided and announced at the Farm Men and Farm Women's Convention in Raleigh.

The first African American Home Demonstration agents were appointed to work with African American farm women, who formed the first African American clubs.

Ira O. Schaub became director of the Agricultural Extension Service. He held the position until 1950. In 1926, he also became Dean of Agriculture and in 1937 Director of Agricultural Research.

The Federation of Home Bureaus changed to the North Carolina Federation of Home Demonstration Clubs.

Lera R. Harrill was appointed State 4-H Club Leader. He held this position until 1963.

Located in Buncombe County, this camp was originally twelve agriculturally marginal acres that were part of the Swannanoa Branch Station.

Ruth Current succeeded Jane McKimmon, and she served in the position until 1963.

At the 4-H Short Course meeting, a competition was held to select District Kings and Queens of Health. NC State traditionally hosted youth groups on campus during the summers. The North Carolina 4-H Short Courses, State Club Weeks, and State Congresses have been held at NC State since the 1920s.

The Agricultural Extension Service began to assist farm families through planning of new or remodels homes, kitchen and workroom improvements, and added storage. After a few years, thousands of families were helped.

The Agricultural Extension Service was given a major role in North Carolina in using federal funds to assist low-income rural families through improved agriculture and nonfarm employment.

The Federation of Home Demonstration Clubs was changed to the North Carolina Organization of Home Demonstration Clubs.

Extension programs, including 4-H and Home Economics, began to integrate.

Known as EFNEP, this program was established to help underprivileged North Carolina citizens better their nutritional standards and to educate them about available food assistance programs.

North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service changed its name to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Home Economics was renamed Family and Consumer Sciences.

The NC State University Libraries commenced various Extension digitization projects to create online access to materials related to the history and activities of NC Cooperative Extension.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension changed its name to NC State Extension.