Matthews Heritage Museum
Cause Area
- Arts & Culture
- Children & Youth
- Community
- Education & Literacy
- Seniors
Location
232 N. Trade StreetMatthews, NC 28105 United States
Organization Information
Mission Statement
The Matthews Heritage Museum provides educational and engaging interactive experiences for all ages, but particularly children. The museum strives to nurture a healthy respect for the forward-thinking of the early settlers and help guests reflect on the business environment, lifestyles, and cultures of those early Matthews townspeople.
Description
Housed in the 1879 Massey-Clark House, one of the oldest buildings in downtown Matthews, the Matthews Heritage Museum is a step back in time. In the Early Commerce Gallery learn about King Cotton and the early days of the railroad. Imagine cashing a check at the Bank of Matthews, and see part of the original bank interior on display. Listen to telephone switchboard stories while looking at an old crank phone and switchboard.
Children and adults will enjoy exploring the Lifestyles Gallery, imagining a time before electricity and running water. Schools were a vital part of the community. Porches were the center of living, particularly in the summer in an effort to stay cool. Learn what was different in the kitchen at the turn of the century.
Our Community Gallery allows you to discover the many activities that happened at the local drug store. You can also investigate the early set up of the doctor’s office or hear wonderful stories about the local pool. A display of Outen Pottery, hand-thrown pots made from local clay, is of great interest.
Snippets from the Matthews Remembered and Outen Pottery DVD play for the audience in the Lifestyles and Community Galleries. The hallway panels give visitors insight to early Matthews.
Tour groups are welcomed by our knowledgeable docents. Please call 704-708-4996 to make tour arrangements.
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