Born in New Bern, NC, Gertrude Sprague Carraway’s personal philosophy was defined by three words: “history, education, and patriotism.” She was a teacher, journalist, historian, and preservationist, dedicating her life to public service. Carraway was the driving force behind public interest in the reconstruction of Tryon Palace, colonial capital of North Carolina, recruiting the support of politicians and philanthropists. In 1939 she located the first set of blueprints, lost since the 1850s. As the Palace’s first executive director, she laid a foundation for its educational mission. Carraway served at the state and national level with the Daughters of the American Revolution National Society. As president general, she initiated a national Constitution Week, celebrated annually September 17-23. She helped found the Historic Preservation Society of North Carolina and twice traveled around the world. She died in 1993 at age 96.