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.
We believe that the heritage of our ancestors must be preserved, not simply as a curiosity but primarily as a light for our path to the future. As John Steinbeck said, “If you don’t know where you came from, how can you know where you are going?”
In Exodus 20:21, the Bible says, “Honor your father and your mother; that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” We wish to keep this Commandment in a tangible manner that will inspire others.
Our museum will showcase the history of Watauga County beginning with pre-Revolutionary War days when a few herders such as Benjamin Howard and hunters such as Daniel Boone came to our region. Before them were Native Americans. Many of our ancestors were Patriots in the Revolutionary War fighting for our freedom. Their descendants continued this tradition as they fought for freedom in subsequent wars. The hardiness, determination and stubbornness of our intelligent forefathers and foremothers have made our county the jewel of Western North Carolina.
The Watauga County Heritage Museum, Inc. will be an interpreter of history. It will treat all segments of our population with dignity and respect while maintaining integrity. It will acknowledge that each of us is a product of time and place and therefore it will be nonjudgemental with interpretations.
As Len Hagaman, who has deep family roots in Watauga County, said:
“A museum dedicated to Watauga County’s heritage would strengthen local identity by celebrating the unique traditions of mountain music, crafts, and storytelling. It would also provide a space for community events, lectures, and exhibitions that connect residents with their shared history.
“Appalachian culture is often misunderstood or overlooked in broader historical narratives. A museum would highlight the contributions of local families, artisans, and historical figures, ensuring that Watauga County’s story is told accurately and with pride.
“By hosting exhibitions on local government, civic leaders, and historical movements, the museum could encourage greater participation in local affairs, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the county’s future. Given Watauga County’s deep historical roots and its role in Appalachian culture, a county heritage museum would be a valuable asset, ensuring that the past is not only remembered but actively celebrated and used to inspire future generations.”
The WCHM, Inc. will provide a safe storage for donated, loaned, and duplicated artifacts and documents to the extent that nature and climate will allow, and will share them with others.
We, the Charter Members, want the museum to become a center for education not only for school children, but also for colleges and universities, educators, researchers, authors, and the public.
A successful museum, as we expect ours to become, will also be an economic driver for our county attracting visitors from not only our own county but also from tourists and regional citizens. As promoters of Watauga County, we will serve as a link for other historic and cultural venues in our community via our website and printed materials, and provide a link to local historians’ websites.
We have dreamed it. We can and will do it.
