Martha C. Brock: Memorial Center would honor Dix properly

State Rep. Verla Insko has suggested that the Dix Memorial Task Force contact UNC-TV and advocate a production to honor Dorothea Lynde Dix. I fully support that idea, but I would take it one step further.

I envision a multi-use Dix Memorial Center on the former hospital campus with a museum to hold historic documents and artifacts and other items gathered from individuals and groups across the state.

The documentary film produced by UNC-TV could be an introduction at the entry to the museum and highlight the life and times of Dix and her influence not just to Raleigh but to the region and the state, and the many other states where she was an advocate for the poor, the ill and the “insane.”

Furthermore, it should be a top priority to designate at least one of the buildings on Dix Hill for historic preservation and to provide funding for its upkeep.

The historic Dix Cemetery is in pretty good shape now, after falling into terrible condition prior to work by the N.C. DHHS staff to determine locations of those interred in the cemetery and to adequately mark the land.

However, I have had no response from the city even after numerous contacts asking for long-term protection of the cemetery site and funds for its upkeep.

This story was originally published February 25, 2016 at 12:33 PM with the headline "Martha C. Brock: Memorial Center would honor Dix properly."