Black History Month is a time to recognize the people whose talent, determination, and vision helped shape communities across the country, and here in Wilson, those stories are woven into the very places we pass every day. From educators and entrepreneurs to artists and skilled craftsmen, local Black history is not only remembered in records but reflected in the city’s landmarks.
One of the most distinctive is Oliver Nestus Freeman, born February 22, 1882, a master brick mason whose skill and imagination left a lasting mark on Wilson.
In the early 1940s, Freeman built the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum as his home and a gathering spot. Its rare circular design stood out architecturally and showcased skill at a time when Black tradesmen were rarely recognized.
Today, the Round House operates as a museum preserving Freeman’s life while sharing the broader story of African American history in Wilson. The site is also growing! A major expansion, funded through federal support secured during the final congressional term of G.K. Butterfield, is underway and scheduled for completion in 2026, adding new gallery space and enhancing accessibility. In celebration of Black History Month and Freeman’s birthday, the museum will also host its annual Black History Month Concert this Sunday, February 22. Due to construction at the Round House, this year’s performance will take place at the Wilson Arts Center, continuing the tradition of gathering through music and community.
Freeman himself was just as memorable as the home he built, especially in regard to his affection for animals. His yard was alive with rabbits, chickens, bees, possums, flying squirrels, snakes, a skunk, and even a cow, but the true neighborhood attraction was his six Siberian black bears. Trained to entertain, one of his bears could climb a tree using a ladder and another could even ride a bicycle. On Sunday afternoons, the bears were often tethered out front, sometimes dressed in outfits, drawing crowds who stopped to watch and inevitably purchased peanuts from Freeman’s gas-and-grocery across the street. Neighbors would announce his arrival with a familiar phrase, “Here comes Freeman with the bears.”
On his birthday during Black History Month, we remember Oliver Nestus Freeman not only for an extraordinary structure but for the creativity, skill, and personality that made him an unforgettable part of Wilson’s story.
