Author name: ABwchm

In the News Saved from the fire: Underwood shares Dougherty House story with Heritage Museum Published Sept 7, 2026  |  Watauga Democrat BOONE — “When God gives you a vision, He grants provision.” This was the refrain of guest speaker Wayne Underwood as he delighted members and guests at the Watauga County Heritage Museum Annual Meeting on Sept. 12 by recounting how he saved the iconic Dougherty House from destruction. In the 1980s, Appalachian State University leaders seemed determined to rid the campus of the humble home of its founders, B.B., D.D., and Lily Shull Dougherty, to build a parking deck. Despite protests from staff and locals, they hauled it to App State property on State Farm to be burned, according to Underwood. The Dougherty House was originally built in 1903 on the campus of what is now Appalachian State University by founder Dauphin Disco Dougherty and was moved to its current location in 1989, where it also underwent restoration in later years. Underwood told the members and guests that the App State administration put up one impediment after another, from demanding that Underwood establish a nonprofit requiring a 501©(3) to insisting on increasing amounts of financial backing needed to move the house. Underwood is a man of deep, sincere and unshakable faith. Each time he received a demand, he replied to the App State personnel, “When God gives you a vision, He grants provision.” Each time, he returned with the demand fulfilled. In 1989, he moved the historic house down the Blowing Rock Road to Mystery Hill, set it on a foundation, and created the Appalachian Heritage Museum. When Underwood heard about the nascent Watauga County Heritage Museum’s struggles to find a home, he had another vision. This time, his vision was to lease the Dougherty House, full of artifacts befitting the early 1900s but still incompletely curated, to the WCHM. He contacted Steve Sudderth, vice chair and chair of the Site Selection Committee, with his proposal. The Board enthusiastically accepted his generous pro bono lease. Members and guests rose to give Underwood a standing ovation after his speech. Sudderth then read a proclamation from the WCHM Board of Directors enumerating many of Mystery Hill’s and the Underwoods’ contributions to historic preservation. The Proclamation was followed by Chair Diane Cornett Deal’s presentation of a beautifully framed Certificate of Recognition. Much of the house will serve as a museum to the Dougherty family, but a dedicated room will be set aside for rotating Watauga County exhibits designed to show the museum represents the whole county, not just certain communities or industries. Some exhibit features will be swapped out regularly.

In the News             Watauga County Heritage Museum continues to gain momentum, holds annual meeting Published Oct 7, 2025  |  Watauga Democrat BOONE — The Watauga County Heritage Museum is continuing to gain momentum, with members recently participating in the annual meeting. Daniel Boone (Davy Davis) greeted the members as they entered Grace Lutheran Church’s Fellowship Hall for the annual meeting, which marked the beginning of a gathering that continued with fun, fellowship, information, and serious planning. As members entered the Fellowship Hall, they were welcomed by acclaimed scholar of Appalachian folk music, Olivia Phillips, who sang and accompanied herself on the guitar. She also provided a video loop showing mountain musicians who played throughout the meeting. The WCHM, Inc. has existed for only a little over one year but already boasts a significant membership of 125-150 interested citizens representing all areas of Watauga County. Floyd Hicks led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sheriff Len Hagaman offered the invocation. Following dinner and fellowship, a short business session was conducted by Vice Chair Steve Sudderth, the chairman and MC of the annual meeting. Three new board members were elected: Floyd Hicks, Alan Hauser, and J.P. Greene. Following their election, the Board selected the Executive Committee: Diane Cornett Deal, Chair; Steve Sudderth, Vice Chair; Mary Moretz, Secretary; Judy Moretz, Treasurer; J.P. Greene, Lee Stroupe, and Charlie Wallin. Other Board members are Braxton Eggers, Charlie Sellers, Sam Adams, Brenda Councill, Len Hagaman, Donna McNeil, and Nathan Miller. Dana Bango serves as the Parliamentarian for both the Board and the Executive Committee. Chair Diane Cornett Deal informed the gathering about the WCHM’s many accomplishments in its first full year. She cited the web page, membership expansion, and our Pop-Up Museum, among others. She asked for and received many ideas for fundraising. Vice Chair Steve Sudderth reported that his site selection committee is still working to find an appropriate location for the museum. The museum prefers a location outside of any municipality, one that is easily accessible and not in a floodplain. J.P. Greene illustrated the concept of the Pop-Up Museum by discussing the importance of old country stores in Watauga communities. He had photos, a 1903 ledger, and a huge old mercantile catalogue which he used to illustrate the activities of his ancestors in supporting the rural communities of Sweetwater (now Bethel) and Beaverdam. He asked for volunteers to help with future Pop-Up Museums. The WCHM will utilize the Pop-Ups to raise awareness about the need for a brick-and-mortar museum and, subsequently, to remind various communities of their unique history and heritage. Keynote speaker and North Carolina Historian of the Year for 2010, Michael C. Hardy, did not disappoint. He told the rapt audience that he has a history problem, perhaps better stated as an addiction. He said that “we do a poor job telling our history,” not just locally but also nationally. “Having a museum to tell our story is very important for our students, our youth,” Hardy said. “We should tell our history using every tool we can, including the Pop-Up museums, by taking them to communities, festivals, and the state fair.” He said they can use podcasts and websites, such as “Watauga History Hunters.” “Let’s not wait for others to come in and put their stamp on our history,” he said. “It is up to us.” Lee Stroupe organized a silent auction, where guests tried to outbid each other and ultimately won the bid. Door prizes included chrysanthemums, homemade apple jelly, and molasses. The enthusiasm for their heritage and a future museum permeated the entire meeting. Several people who moved away to follow their careers came home to support the formation of a heritage museum traveling from Michigan, Pennsylvania and the Charlotte area. Patriarch Clint Cornett attended with five generations of his family from the Bethel community. Anyone who is interested in preserving the heritage of Watauga County is invited to visit wataugacountyheritagemuseum.org.