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Museum of Ashe County History, Inc.
The June 2007 issue of Our State Magazine has an article about the Museum of Ashe County History, and a photograph of a current exhibit there. Janet Pittard, who has homes in Ashe County and Raleigh, wrote an article describing the museum's feature attraction - the Virginia Creeper Railroad. She noted the attractive display created by Warren Pitts, and used a photograph of the crossing sign loaned to the museum by Stephen Shoemaker.
P O Box 1404
Jefferson, NC 28640
Phone: 336-846-1904
Museum Hours: 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from April through October.
Meetings:
Fourth Monday of each month.
WHO WE ARE
When a new courthouse was built in 2001, the one constructed in 1904 faced an uncertain fate. Demolition was not a choice for a dedicated group of Ashe County citizens, who joined in an effort to preserve it as a museum.
With the help of members of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners, the County Manager, and the New River Community Partners, a renovation grant was obtained from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. It required matching funds, which the county supplied, and a transportation-related focus on the old Virginia Creeper Railroad that is part of Ashe County’s history. A supplement to this grant was added in 2006, and we are providing funds for this match.
Exterior repairs have been completed. Work has begun on restoration of the interior of the courthouse building. Damaged areas have been repaired. “Rough-ins” for the electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling elements have been completed. Window repair and reconditioning has been contracted to a specialty firm. And, work on painted and plastered surfaces, along with flooring work, will be in progress during 2007.
A large space has been designated as the museum portion of the first floor. Other space there will be used for a welcome center, a gift shop, and offices. The center hall is designed as a place for paying tribute to veterans of military service.
A temporary museum has been established on Main Street across from the old courthouse in the town of Jefferson. Use of the space has been donated by the adjacent First Charter Bank. Don Long, Curator, and professional artist Warren Pitts have created many exhibits there which will appeal to everyone interested in Ashe County history. New Ashe County items of historical interest are being added frequently, and more donations are expected and welcomed.
Don is busily planning for opening at the old courthouse location. Volunteers are staffing the temporary museum. The hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from April through October. We are open on Saturdays (at the same hours) from November through March. Visits to the temporary museum at other times can be arranged by calling our office - (336)846-1904. This is also the telephone number to call if you are interested in helping with our efforts through donations or committee work.
Ashe Chamber of Commerce