The Archie K. Davis Center

Archie K. Davis in 1966

Archie K. Davis (Jan. 22, 1911 – March 13, 1998) served as Chairman of Wachovia Bank and Trust Company (1956-1974), helped in the creation of North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, and was a two-term State Senator (1958-1962). At the close of his active business career, Davis served both as President of the American Bankers Association (1966) and of the United States Chamber of Commerce (1971-1972). In his retirement he returned to college to get a master’s degree in history, with a special passion for Civil War studies.


The Archie K. Davis Fellowships are offered yearly by the North Caroliniana Society to promote research and publication in North Carolina’s history and culture. The Archie K. Davis Award is awarded by the Wachovia Historical Society to honor an individual who has made significant contributions to regional and cultural history. Davis was a strong supporter and advocate for the Archives of the Southern Province and was a long-time Archives board member and chair. Today his name graces the building which houses both the Moravian Archives and our fellow professionals at the Moravian Music Foundation. Construction began on the building in the fall of 1999, and the facility was completed and occupied in July 2001. In September 2001, the building was dedicated as the Archie K. Davis Center. A quick, visual tour of our beautiful home follows.