IMAGINE...
a stately building, rising from pristine property, designed to complement our mountain environment and to hold the artifacts and documents of our past? Can you imagine that close by this building is a small amphitheater that will provide a venue for historic plays, other dramas, concerts, and lectures under the sky? And can you imagine that also on the property are historic buildings or replicas replete with corresponding artifacts that are experiential centers? On the campus will be a building dedicated to showcasing the work of local artists and artisans and providing workshops for budding artisans. Can you imagine?
We Can.
We are the Charter members, members and sponsors of the Watauga County Heritage Museum, Inc. (WCHM), today a dream but tomorrow a reality.
“Watauga County has an incredible history that includes Native American villages and the early treks of Daniel Boone, Civil War skirmishes, exploration by naturalists and geologists, the creation of a university, early North Carolina tourist destinations, and famous railroad lines. The Watauga County Historical Museum will help preserve that history for generations to come.”
Michael Hardy, Award-Winning N.C. Historian
We need your support!
For too long, our county’s unique story has been untold, causing our shared heritage to be unfamilar for many of its daughters and sons.
We need a museum that tells the full story of our heritage. It will begin with the Native Americans who were here long before others, and include the early hunters, herders, and settlers. It will tell the story of our heroes, villians, inventors, leaders, artists, writers, and musicians. It will showcase our amazing institutions such as our churches, schools, and governments. It will include our agriculture, businesses and industry, and the list continues.
Right now, we need funds for operational costs such as mailings, a dedicated computer and office supplies, grant writers, and hopefully an executive director. We have accomplished much in a short time, and securing land and a building worthy of our history will be a daunting task, but together we can do it!
Please consider becoming a sponsor or member. We hope that you will join us in this quest! We also welcome volunteers.
Or pay by check...
Volunteer Opportunities
The Watauga County Heritage Museum is a grassroots organization composed of members from all sections of our county, and we want and need to include you as part of our movement!
Whatever your passion, strength or talent, we need volunteers to help us accomplish so many important tasks — driving membership, managing finances, soliciting sponsorships for funding, the acquisition of artifacts, collections and stories to display in the museum, and people who can help us find the perfect location for our heritage museum.
If you have other talents that are not mentioned here, we’d love to hear your ideas!
Please let us know how you’re willing to help by submitting our volunteer form and we’ll be in touch with you to explore the possibilities!
THANK YOU!