North Carolina History Museums

Alamance Battleground   [History of Battle of Alamance]

Allen House

Devoted to the preservation and display of artifacts, photographs and documents related to the rich history of Avery County and the surrounding Toe River Valley.  Housed in the old county jail, the museum also includes a new research room where you will find material to help with family research.  Located at 1829 Shultz Circle in Newland, NC.

Burleson Cabin   [Burlesons of Plumtree, NC]

Historic Bath   [Historic Postcard Photos]

Palmer - Marsh Historic House and Site

Pantego Academy Historical Museum

Housed in the old Pantego Academy (Ye Olde Academy), the museum offers a glimpse into the past days of Pantego, North Carolina.

Located at 46 Academy Street in Pantego, NC.

Historic Homes of Bertie County

Hope Plantation  [History and Info]

Built in 1803 by NC Governor David Stone, the beautiful mansion has been restored and is open to the public with guided tours.  The 1763 King Bazemore House has been moved to the site and is also open for tours.  132 Hope House Road, Windsor, NC.

Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson

Burke County Historic Sites   [County History]

Greene Street Railroad Depot

Built in 1886, this train depot has been restored to it's 1916 appearance and opened as a museum displaying artifacts related to the railroad in North Carolina and in particular, Morganton.  Located at 624 South Green Street in Morganton, NC.

The History Museum of Burke County

Visitors will find artifacts, photographs and documents related to the history of Burke County.  The museum has an extensive collection of early photos of Valdese, Morganton and the surrounding areas in Burke County.  Located at 201 West Meeting Street in Morganton, NC.

Waldensian Museum

Devoted to the history of the early Italian settlers of Burke County.  Located on Rodoret Street in Valdese, NC.  The Trail of Faith is an exhibit depicting the events of the Waldensian people and their persecution and migration to Valdese, NC.  This exhibit is found next to the Old Colony Players Amphitheater where an outdoor drama of these events is held during summer months.  The Amphitheater is located on Church Street in Valdese.

Established ca 1810 and operating since the early 1800s, the Bost Mill is still using the same French Buhr Millstone to grind conrmeal and grits.  The mill is opened for tours during special events.  The mill and grounds are quite picturesque.  Located on NC Hwy 200, a few miles from Reed Gold Mine.

Concord - Historic Walking Tour

Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum

Located in the Mt. Pleasant Collegiate Institute building which was erected in 1855.  Over 30 rooms hold the history of the people and culture of Eastern Cabarrus County.  Located at 1100 Main Street North in Mount Pleasant, NC.

Historical Markers of Cabarrus County

Reed Gold Mine   [History]

Declared a NC state historic site, it is the first documented gold discovery in the United States.  Discovered on the property of German John Reed in 1799 by his son Conrad Reed while fishing, the first find weighed over 17 pounds and was used as a doorstop for several years before it was known that the discovery was gold. Reed and his subsequent partners became quite wealthy.  Since 1977, the site provides a visitor center, underground tunnels, information and film about early mining history, an operating stamp mill and trails.  Visitors can pan for gold just as in the "olden days".  Located at 9621 Reed Mine Rd. in Midland, NC.  Phone number is (704) 721-GOLD.

Housed in the old Camden County Jail built ca 1910, exhibits are displayed related to the early history of Camden County.  Located at the Camden County Courthouse, 117 North Highway 343 in Camden, NC.

North Carolina Maritime Museum  [Photo Gallery]

Discover North Carolina's maritime heritage through exhibits, hands-on programs and field trips.

315 Front Street

Beaufort, NC.

Housed in the 1822 Gatewood House, the museum is devoted to the history of Caswell County.  Open for tours but check for days and times.  Located at 15 Main Street in Yanceyville, NC.

Bunker Hill Covered Bridge

The Bunker Hill Bridge was built in 1895 and today is one of only two original covered bridges in North Carolina which remain.  Located on Hwy 70, two miles east of Claremont, NC.  It is closed for repairs as of May 15, 2006.

Catawba County Museum of History

This history museum is housed in the stately old 1924 Catawba County courthouse.  Focused on the history of the Catawba River Valley area, exhibits include Civil War artifacts and uniforms, a variety of agricultural implements and tools, and a 1920 medical office along with a Library and Archives for researchers.   Location is 15 North College Ave. in Newton, NC.

Harper House - Hickory History Center

Located at 310 N. Center Street in Newton, NC, the home is currently being restored.

Murray's Mill Historic District

The first mill at this site was built in 1883 by William Murray.  The mill at this historic site today, was built in 1913 by John Murray.  The Murray family were also the proprietors of the 1890s O. D. Murray and Company general store, where you can shop for old fashioned candies and items.  Also open for tours is the John Murray House, built in 1912 and furnished in period furnishings.

A display of the early history of Chatham County is located inside the Chatham County Courthouse.  It is operated by the Chatham County Historical Association who are also in the process of restoring two log houses and operate the Charles Manley's Law Office.

Cherokee County Historical Museum

Featuring over 2000 Cherokee Indian artifacts, the museum reflects on the life of the Cherokee Indian Tribe prior to the Trail of Tears removal to Oklahoma.  Located at 87 Peachtree Street in Murphy, NC.

Built in 1782, the house was home to Thomas and Penelope Barker.  Penelope Barker was involved in the Edenton Tea Party.  The home is open for tours.  Located at 505 S. Broad Street in Edenton, NC.

Housed in the 1912 Clay County Jail, the history museum relates the history of Clay County, NC to visitors through exhibits and photographs.  Many Indian artifacts and antique farm equipment are on display.  Located at 21 Davis Loop in Hayesville, NC.

John C. Campbell Folk School  [History]

Patterned after the folkehojskole (folk schools) located in early rural Denmark, this folk school opened in the 1920's as a way of bringing education to rural families.  Today, folk classes are offered and bring history, folk arts and crafts, music, dance, cooking, gardening and more to a non competitive learning experience.

One Folk School Road

Brasstown, NC 28902

Housed inside the 1907 Cleveland County Courthouse, the history museum is devoted to the early peoples and life in Cleveland County.  A living history program brings the early times in Shelby to life.  Located in the Court Square in Shelby, NC.

Kings Mountain Historical Fire Museum

The collection includes antique fire trucks and equipment and the history of the fire department in Kings Mountain.  Located at 210 Cleveland Avenue in Kings Mountain, NC.

Kings Mountain Historical Museum

Learn about the early history of Kings Mountain.  Check for times open as it is not open at all times.

100 E. Mountain Street

Kings Mountain, NC.

Davidson County Historical Museum

Housed inside the old 1858 Davidson County Courthouse on the Lexington square, the museum features historical artifacts, photographs and a collection of archival materials.  Visitors can view the judge's bench, jury box and prisoner holding cage.  Located on the square in Historic Uptown Lexington.

Bennett Place - Civil War State Historic Site   [Photos]

This farmhouse was the location of the largest troop surrender of the American Civil War.  A visitor center including a museum gallery and a short film, tells the story of the Bennett family and the surrender of Confederate troops.  Located at 4409 Bennett Memorial Road in Durham, NC.

Duke Homestead and Tobacco Museum

[History]

The Duke Homestead is a beautiful 19th century home.  The museum offers visitors a look into the past when tobacco farming was prevalent in America.  Located at 2828 Duke Homestead Rd. in Durham, NC.

West Point Mill

[Hisotry of the Eno River Basin]

The historic mill on the Eno River in Durham City Park.  At one time there were many mills on the Eno River as the area was home to farmers and millers.  West Point Mil was a working mill from 1778-1942 and the core of this vital community.  This mill has been restored and is an actual working mill.  Goods are sold in the mill store.  Other historic buildings include the McCown-Mangum house, a ca 1840 farmhouse and the West Point tobacco packhouse which today houses an exhibit of Hugh Mangum's photographs.

The historic 1808 House is a National Historic Landmark and holds an art collection that celebrates the 200 year old material culture of Edgecomb County and native born artist Hobson Pittman.  Two other structures located on the grounds are the 1810 Silas Everett House which holds the Pender Museum filled with 19th century ceramics and Jugtown pottery and an 1845 farm house.  Located at 130 Bridgers St. in Tarboro, NC.

Old Salem Living History Museum  

[Exhibits]  [Buildings]

Comprised of original museum buildings, rare antiques, authentic craftsman on site, the recreated village is a living history example of what life was like for early southerners.  The visitor can take a step back in time while enjoying shopping and learning in the museums: The Children's Museum, MESDA, and the Historic Town of Old Salem.  You will find a Research Library on site too. The village is home to The Fourth House which was built in 1768.  It is the oldest original structure in the Old Salem restoration area.  Located at 900 Old Salem Road, near downtown Winston-Salem, NC.

American Military Museum of Gastonia

The museum houses a college of military memorabilia from past wars.  One section is devoted specifically to the Rambling Rebels, a renowned North Carolina marching and music band.

The museum boasts the world's largest flying American flag which is reported to be seen as far as 30 miles away.

109 W. Franklin Blvd. in Gastonia, NC.

Belmont Historical Society's Cultural and Heritage Learning Center

Housed inside the 1899 R. L. Stowe House, the museum features artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Belmont, NC.  From the days when Indians roamed the land to the 1930s era, visitors will learn about the rich heritage of Belmont.  The facility includes a research library with genealogies of some early families.  Located at 40 Catawba Street in Belmont, NC.

Brevard Station Museum  [History of Stanley]

Devoted to developing an interest in the history of Stanley and bringing that history to Stanley's school children, residents and visitors.  Located at 112 South Main Street in Stanley, NC.

Gaston County Museum of History and Art  

[History]  [Historic Buildings]

The 1852 Hoffman Hotel building is home to the Gaston County Museum.  Early businessmen, leaders and farmers have all visited within the walls of this old hotel.  Housing over 5000 objects, 20,000 documents and 400,000 photographs, the museum is the ultimate place to learn about the history of Gaston County.  Located at 131 W. Main Street in Dallas, NC.

Schiele Museum of Natural History

Focused on early natural history, Indian history, Piedmont history , stone age history, and space science.  The exhibits take you from a Catawba Indian Village, to the Lynn Planetarium.  Something for everyone to do, see and learn.

1500 East Garrison Blvd.

Gastonia, NC

Greene County Museum

Operated by the Greene County Arts and Historical Society, the museum houses a research library containing historical documents and photos related to the history of Greene County, NC.

Located at 107 NW Third Street in Snow Hill, NC.

Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park   [The Battle]

On March 15th, 1781, one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War was fought at Guilford Courthouse.  The visitors center offers exhibits explaining the battle and houses artifacts from the war.

2332 New Garden Rd., Greensboro, NC.

Housed in the historic house built by Captain David Williams around 1900, the museum features pieces of and historic artifacts from nearby Confederate Civil War Fort Oracoke along with exhibits of maritime objects, and items related to the history of the island.

Iredell Museums

Iredell Museum of Arts & Heritage offers over 30 acres of trails leading through a living history pioneer settlement.  Open for special events.  Statesville, NC.

Bentonville Battlefield   [Harper House History & Photos]

Originally built in 1850 on Big Pocket Creek by Howell & John Gilliam, this one is a faithful reproduction built in 1879 up the creek from the original site.  Nearby are an old saw mill and kiln.  Highway 42 West in Sanford, NC.

Railroad House  [History of Downtown Sanford]

Operated by the Railroad House Historic Association, the museum is housed inside Sanford's oldest house.  Built in 1872, the house was home to the first mayor of Sanford. Exhibits are related to the history of Sanford and Lee County.  Located at 226 Carthage Street in Sanford, NC.

Richard Caswell Memorial

USS Neuse State Historical Site

The mission of the Lincoln Cultural Center is to enhance the lives of people of Lincoln County with offerings of history, art and culture.  Housed inside the cultural center, the history museum is devoted to the history of Lincoln County.  Located at 403 E. Main Street in Lincolnton, NC.

Macon County Historical Society & Museum

Housed in the 100 year old Pendergrass Store, the museum offers history of the Macon County area including Cherokee artifacts.  The society offers many published books related to Macon County hisotry.  Located at 36 W. Main Street in Franklin, NC.

An 1831 home housing the Martin County Historical Society, Visitor's Center and the County Travel and Tourism Office.  Location is 100 East Church Street in Williamston, NC.

Daniel Staton Mill  (The Big Mill)

An old working mill where corn meal is ground.  Located at 2710 Holly Springs Church Road in Williamston, NC.

Fort Branch Civil War Site   [History]  [Re-enactment]

A Confederate earthern fort on the Roanoke River, it is being restored and re-enactments are held at the historic site.  Located 3 miles southeast of Hamilton, N.C. off NC Hwy 125/903 at 2883 Fort Branch Road.

Little Red Schoolhouse

Recently moved to Moratoc Park, the 1860 school was once located in Poplar Point and was used until 1925.  102 River Road, Williamston, NC.

St. James Place Museum

This folk art museum is housed inside an old 1910 Primitive Baptist Church building.  Exhibits offered are unusual collections of North Carolina pottery and quilts.  Located at the corner of US 64 Alt. & Outerbridge Street in Robersonville, NC.

Emerald Village and North Carolina Mining Museum

While the museum offers a large collection of mining memorabilia, visitors seem to love the gem mining experience offered here.  As water comes through a flume, you will search through buckets of dirt and rocks for precious gems.  Gemstones can then be cut and fashioned into jewelry.  Located on McKinney Mine Road in Little Switzerland, NC.

Linville Caverns   [History]

Discovered in the 1800s, it is the only cave formation located in North Carolina.  The limestone caves offer visitors a view of age old beauty beneath the earth's surface. Tours through the caverns began as early as 1939 and are offered today.  Located off of U.S. Hwy 221 N in Marion, NC.

Mountain Gateway Museum

[Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center on Facebook]

The Mountain Gateway Museum features educational and historical exhibits.  Visitors will see exhibits which include artifacts and historical items from the western area of North Carolina. There are exhibits about folk medicine, moonshining, the Civil War, weaving and spinning, Marion Manufacturing and more.  During special events, there are folks dressed up in time period dress and demonstrations of historical crafts.  There are  two 19th century log cabins located on the grounds as well.  Located on the banks of Mill Creek at 139 S. Catawba Avenue in downtown Old Fort, NC.

Carl J. McEwen Historic Village

The Mint Hill Country Doctor's Museum was the first in this collection of historical buildings which include the Ashcraft Schoolhouse, the Ira V. Ferguson Country Store and a meat curing building.  The small restored community provides an opportunity for visitors to take a step back in time and learn what life was like 100 years ago.  Located at 4311 Hillside Drive in Mint Hill, NC.

Carolinas Aviation Museum

Preserving the history of aviation in the Carolinas.  Collection includes over 45 major aircraft and other artifacts related to aviation.  Located at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.

Charlotte Museum of History 

and

Hezekiah Alexander Homestead

The oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County, NC is home to the Charlotte Museum of History where docent led tours are offered.  Locate at 3500 Shamrock Drive in Charlotte, NC. 

Latta Plantation   [Virtual Tours]

Levine Museum of the New South

Features history of people and places from 1865 to present.  Located at 200 E. Seventh Street in Charlotte, NC.

James K. Polk Memorial   [Facilities and directions]

Built on land owned by the parents of the 11th president is a reconstructed log cabin which is similar to the one James K. Polk lived in as a boy.  Nearby is a stone monument dedicated to the memory of President James K. Polk.  It was erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1904.

Rosedale Plantation   [History]   [Photos]

Rural Hill Farm   [History of the Davidson Family]

Historic homestead of Major John Davidson, it is now a living history museum and center for Scottish heritage.

Historic Homes in Moore County

The museum is focused on the life of rural medicine of the 19th and early 20th centuries.  The museum features over 5000 medical artifacts and volumes of historic texts ranging from rural doctors, nursing, pharmaceuticals and home remedies.  Located at 6642 Peele Road in Bailey, NC.

Twin County Museum & Hall of Fame

The Twin County Museum is focused on the history, culture and people of Nash and Edgecombe Counties of NC.  Housed inside the Train Station at 100 Coastline Street in downtown Rocky Mount, NC.

[History]  [Virtual Tour]

The home was built in 1770 on the old jail foundation.  John Burgwin, the treasurer of the Colony of Carolina built what was called "the most considerable house in town".  Lord Cornwallis used the home as his headquarters just before his surrender at Yorktown, VA.  The home was purchased by Joshua Grainger Wright in 1799 for 3500 Spanish milled dollars.  In 1937, the Burgwin - Wright House was purchased by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina.  Today the house is a living history museum offering docent guided tours.  Located at 224 Market Street in Wilmington, NC.

Cape Fear Museum 

Founded in 1898, Cape Fear Museum is the oldest continuously operating museum of history in North Carolina.  Dedicated to the preservation, collection and interpretation of the history, science and culture of Lower Cape Fear, the museum is located at 814 Market Street in Wilmington, NC.

Latimer House

Built in 1852 by Zebulon Latimer, a local merchant of Wilmington, North Carolina, the house is a fine example of what Victorian elegance was like in Wilmington.  Visitors will explore 14 rooms containing over 600 historical objects along with the lovely gardens which are planted with Victorian era flora.  Located at 126 South Third Street in Wilmington, NC.

Onslow County Museum  [Photo Gallery]

Focused on the history of Onslow County, the museum features historical artifacts, maritime items, and a research room.  Located just 15 minutes from Jacksonville at 301 S. Wilmington Street in Richlands, NC.

The site is really a complex of historical buildings which include the Kitchin House, Woodsdale General Store, the office of Dr. John H. Merrit, a tobacco barn, and the Van Hook School (possibly the oldest school still standing in North Carolina).  A large exhibit is focused on Enos Slaughter, native of Roxboro and Baseball Hall of Famer. 

Explore this historic site and learn about the history of Roxboro and Person County.  Located at 311 North Main Street in Roxboro, NC.

Maintained by the Pitt County Historical Society which calls the church home, the church is also offered for weddings, concerts and other special events.  Located in Greenville, NC.

Polk County Historical Museum

Housed inside the Feagan Building, the museum holds a collection of historic artifacts which tell the story of Polk County.  Located at 60 Walker Street in Columbus, NC.

Polk County Self Guided Historic Tour

Tryon Toy-Makers' House Museum

The Tryon Toy-Makers and Wood-Carvers was a company who operated in Tryon from 1915 to 1940.  Today you will find original toys and furniture as well as a gift shop offering original handmade arts.  Located at 43 E. Howard Street in Tryon, NC.

The Rankin Museum of American Heritage

The museum features collections and exhibits related to natural history, American heritage and  Native American culture.  Located at 131 West Church Street in Ellerbe, NC.

County History & Photos

Four historic buildings (a tobacco factory and barn, a one room schoolhouse and a corn crib) have been restored and moved near the Rockingham Community College.  The village is only open for special events and by appointment.

Historical Sites in Rockingham County

Wright Tavern

[Tours]   [Tavern Photos]

Construction began in 1816 on the original part of the Wright Tavern.  The tavern operated until the 1920s.  Later purchased by the Reid family, the establishment was then known as Reid House.  Containing some original furnishings, the house is open by appointment only.  Call for tours.  Located in Wentworth, NC.

[Photos]

Maintained by the Scotland County Historical Properties Commission, the site is actually a complex of historic buildings which include the John Blue House, a cotton gin, the Gibson General Store, some cabins and the Cotton Blossom Railroad. An annual cotton festival is celebrated every year. Located at 13040 X-Way Road in Laurinburg, NC.

Housed in the old 1938 Columbia Theater, exhibits related to the cultural history of the Albemarle-Pamlico peninsula.  Particular attention is focused on the heritage of farming, fishing and forestry and how it shaped the people of this region.  Located at 304 Main Street in Columbia, NC.

Columbia Walking Tour

North Carolina Estuarium

Exhibits feature aquariums, terrariums, historic artifacts, a boardwalk where the wetlands can be viewed and boat tours of the Pamlico-Tar waterways.  Located in Washington, NC.

Roanoke / Cashie River Center

Interpretation and cultural history of the lower Roanoke River region through hands-on exhibits, a boardwalk, and historical artifacts.

112 West Water Street

Windsor, NC.

An excellent museum chock full of exhibits related to the history of the Waxhaw area.  Restoration on the Secrest log cabin is underway.  Located at 8215 Waxhaw Highway (Hwy. 15 East) in Waxhaw, NC.

Downtown Raleigh Walking Tour

Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour

Haywood Hall House Museum and Gardens

Erected in 1799, the large house was home to State Senator John Haywood and the house remained in the Haywood family for over 175 years.  In 1877, the house was left to The National Society of Colonial Dames of America in North Carolina.  Today Haywood Hall has been restored and is complete with period furnishings, paintings and decorative arts.  Haywood Hall is surrounded by beautiful gardens containing rare and historical plants which are open to the public year round.  The museum itself is closed during the winter for maintenance.  Located at 211 New Bern Place in Raleigh, NC.

Joel Lane Museum House   [History]

Often called the "Birthplace of Raleigh", the home was built in the 1760s by planter Joel Lane.  Lane, who became involved in politics, was directly involved in the capital city decision making process.  In 1792 one thousand acres of his land was purchased to establish the city of Raleigh as the new capital city of North Carolina.  After passing through many hands, the home is now operated by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America as a museum.  Located at 728 W. Hargett Street in Raleigh, NC.

Mordecai Historic Park   [Photo Tour]

Once, one of the largest plantations in Wake County, the Mordecai house was built in 1785 by Joel Lane.  The house was home to Moses Mordecai who married into the Lane family.  The house contains many original furnishings and can be toured along with several other historical buildings in the 5 acre park including an 1847 chapel, 1810 law office, the birthplace of Andrew Johnson and others.  Docent led tours are offered.  Located at 1 Mimosa Street in Raleigh, NC.

North Carolina Museum of History

Founded in 1902, the museum encourages the discovery of the rich heritage of North Carolina.  Located at 5 East Edenton Street in Downtown Raleigh, NC.

North Carolina State Capitol  [Virtual Tour]  [History]

The beautiful Greek Revival style building was completed in 1840.  Can be toured daily.  Guided tours are offered on weekends.

One East Edenton Street

Raleigh, NC.

Oak View  [Photos]

Only four miles east of downtown Raleigh, you can step back to the early times of cotton plantations at Oak View.  Built in the 1850s, the Greek Revival style house reminds one of long ago yesterdays.  Located in Oak View county park at 4028 Carya Drive in Raleigh, NC.

Yates Mill   [History]

A 1756 gristmill is situated inside Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh.  Historic tours are offered along with corn grinding demonstrations.  Located at 4620 Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh, NC.  Call (919) 856-6675 for tour information and demonstrations.

Replica of the home of statesman Nathaniel Macon.

217 Nathaniel Macon Dr.

Warrenton, NC.

Davenport Homestead  

Port O'Plymouth Museum   [Photos]  [History]

Housed in the 1923 railroad station on the Roanoke River, it focuses primarily on the Civil War Battle of Plymouth which occurred in 1864.  Located at 302 E. Water Street in Plymouth, NC.

Roanoke River Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

Somerset Place - Antebellum Plantation

[Virtual Tour]

Appalachian Cultural Museum   [Exhibits]

Charles B. Aycock Birthplace and Living History Museum

Wayne County Museum  

[History]   [Virtual Tour]

Housed in the 1927 Goldsboro Woman's Club Jefferson style building, the museum features artifacts and exhibits related to the rich heritage and history of Wayne County, NC.  Located at 116 North William Street in Goldsboro, NC.

Mount Mitchell State Park 

[Park History]  

[Mt. Mitchell State Park and the Black Mountains Photos]

Situated on the highest peak east of the Mississippi River (6,684 feet), the park was established in 1915 and is known as the first state park of North Carolina.  Breath-taking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains abound from atop this mountain which is part of the Black Mountains.  There is an exhibit hall where visitors can learn more about the history of the mountain and view dioramas about animal life in the park.  Located at 2388 State Highway 128 in Burnsville, NC.

Rush-Wray Museum of Yancey County History

Housed in the 1840s McElroy House where you can learn about the history of the area and in particular the role of this house in the Civil War.  Located on the hill behind the Chamber of Commerce in Burnsville.  11 Academy Street, Burnsville, NC.

Museum Index for Other States

North Carolina Census Records