Union County Heritage Room

10/06/2026

This weekend is the annual Art Walk in Monroe with many of our downtown buildings hosting works of art by local artists. It will also be a chance to see the interior of some of these historic buildings while enjoying the visual arts. The Belk Mansion and the Sodoma Law buildings are typically open to stroll, but they will be for the Art Walk. Don't miss it!

Here’s the poster with all the dates and times. See you soon!

08/19/2026

Position has been filled!
The Union County Heritage Room is looking for a new Director. Do you have what it takes to open this door? Or know someone who would be a good fit? Please reply to this page in a private message or contact us by phone at (704) 289-6737.

Addition: this position is part-time (about 18 hours per week) without any benefits. It requires management of staff and volunteers as well as writing reports and research on genealogical and architectural requests. This position is also responsible for our archives, so some curatorial experience is desired. Knowledge of local history is a strong plus.

08/19/2026

Check out this local event

HISTORY IS MARCHING YOUR WAY.

In September of 1780, British forces marched into Charlotte and straight into what would become known as the Hornet’s Nest of Rebellion.

This September, experience that history as it comes alive once again at the Battle of Charlotte American Revolution Reenactment & Living History Weekend at the Museum of the Waxhaws.

Watch the armies march, hear the muskets and artillery, meet living historians, explore military camps, and step into the world of 1780.

September 26–27, 2026
Museum of the Waxhaws

The redcoats are coming. The Hornet’s Nest is waiting.

08/18/2026

Here is another pair of images from inside of the old Monroe Opera House. The first is a grainy original and the second is an AI interpretation of that scene. Again, some features look quite authentic, but the technology clearly took some liberties with the people on stage. There is also a subtle change in proportions that increases the individual size of people in the audience giving it a more intimate impression of the space than the original. Finally, compare the paneled front of the stage from the previous post to the vertical tongue and groove wall beneath this stage even though both posts represent the same stage. Are these subtle changes more dangerous than illuminating?

08/18/2026

The thought of using AI to "enhance" an old image is thrilling, but what do we lose for the study of history in recreating details so realistically when they may not even be right? While much of this recreated image can be fairly accurate, I believe the chandelier had straight arms not curved ones as depicted. Were there even glass globes up there? I have read about gas footlights in our Opera House but are these correct? The balcony looks to be authentic but was there really a curved support to the center handrail? This is a lovely depiction, however, does it honestly reflect what we know about our lost Opera House? What are your thoughts about using technology to recreate history?

06/05/2026

Meeting with representatives from the North Carolina Historic Preservation Office and local historic preservation commissioners in Waxhaw today for a Certified Local Government Commission Training session. Awesome to be in the Waxhaw Women's Club (formerly the R.J. Belk store) building for this session.

05/04/2026

History happens in Monroe, and we want to make sure our history is protected and respected.

This Preservation Month, step into local history with a rare tour of the Historic Union County Courthouse, explore the stories behind S. Washington Street on guided walking tours, or take part in our month-long scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes.

From historic architecture to the people who shaped our City, these events highlight what makes Monroe unique.

Explore all events and ways to participate: www.monroenc.org/Preservation-Month