This is a fascinating 1800’s tale of the well-to-do and a master craftsman, who was also an entrepreneur and a free man of color. All of this right here in North Carolina. How interesting it is that Thomas Day — a black man in the South during the 1800s — is one of North Carolina’s most famous furniture craftsmen and cabinetmakers?

During his lifetime, his work was acclaimed from Georgia to Virginia, and he became one of the largest furniture manufacturers in North Carolina. By 1850, Day’s furniture business was the largest of its kind in North Carolina. As his business thrived, he employed white apprentices seeking to break down racial barriers. Day added his own stamp of creativity to a variety of styles including Federal, Gothic, Late Classical and Empire.

A new book by Jo Ramsay Leimenstoll, along with Patricia Phillips Marshall, “Thomas Day: Master Craftsman and Free Man of Color,” is an exhaustively researched and beautifully illustrated documentation of Day, his life and his works. Charlotte-based photographer Tim Buchman, well known for his distinct architectural aesthetic, provides stunning images of Day’s work that is still around today.

Historic Charlotte, Inc. is offering a special Day event as part of its “History Learning Series.” This group — which has done much to keep Charlotte’s history alive — is a recent “Cultural Innovation Grant” recipient. The matching two-year grant is from the Arts & Science Council (a Knight arts grantee) and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Historic Charlotte, Inc. is partnering with the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (a Knight arts grantee) to present a lecture by author and University of North Carolina Greensboro Professor Leimenstoll on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Wells Fargo Auditorium at the Knight Theater. The presentation about Day’s life and works begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by a reception at the Gantt Center for registered attendees. (The Gantt Center galleries will be open for the evening.)

The event is open to the public with free entry for members of Historic Charlotte, Gantt Center, University of North Carolina Greensboro graduates and all students. Admission is $10 for the general public. A book signing by author Leimenstoll and photographer Buchman will be part of the reception at the Gantt Center.

This is an unusual and exciting opportunity to explore a man — and his work — who was far ahead of the times.

Thursday, Nov. 17, Leimenstoll lecture at 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Auditorium at the Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St., Uptown Charlotte. Book signing by author Leimenstoll and photographer Buchman during the reception from 7 to 8:30 p.m. following at the Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St. The event is free to Historic Charlotte and Gantt Center members, University of North Carolina Greensboro grads and all students. $10 for the general public.  Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be served. Seating is limited. Suggest registration at [email protected] or by calling 704-375-2425. Registration at the lecture:  5:30 p.m