The History Museum of Burke County

The History Museum of Burke County Burke History Museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying items of historical significance from Come visit us and witness the history of Burke County.

The History Museum of Burke County promotes the collection, preservation and display of artifacts, documents and items representative of Burke County Heritage. The Museum has over 18,000 items donated from friends, family members and descendants of the area.

09/23/2026

Come check out our limited time Cold War exhibit courtesy of The CODE BLUE Collective!
This setup is located in the HMBC annex building. In order to see this exhibit, please call to schedule an appointment, or stop in the History Museum's main building and ask to tour CODE BLUE!

09/23/2026

Curious to learn more about the history of Burke County? Thornwell Books and The History Museum of Burke County are taking a deeper look at our local history!

Did you know that the Revolutionary War was won in the Southern Campaign, much of which took place in North and South Carolina? Or do you know how Morganton and Burke County got their names?

On Thursday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m., Thornwell Books and the History Museum invite you to an evening of local history, conversation, and exploration. The evening will begin at Thornwell Books, with time to socialize, meet History Museum Curator Corwin Keys, and hear from local historian Bill Brown. Guests will then head to the History Museum for a tour led by docent Margaret Hampson.

There is no charge to attend, but a head count is requested. To reserve your spot, please email jean@thornwellbooks.

Whether you're new to the area or have lived here for years, this is a fun opportunity to discover more about the history right here in our community!

09/10/2026

September events! First off is 9/11 temporary installation unveiling and memorial service kicking off TOMORROW at 8:30 a.m. The official lighting for the public will follow that same night at sundown. You can read more information in the article published by Bill Poteat The Paper Media. Second is Education Director Bethany's Tracing Timelines class at 203 W. Meeting St. Flyer with all of that info is posted across our social media. Third is the indoor two week 9/11 pop up in the lobby honoring Eric Cranford, and also features articles from the archives on how Burke Co. responded to the events of 9/11. Fourth is our collab with The CODE BLUE Collective down at the annex which will feature displays of Cold War memorabilia, highlighting a preserved Jeep from the 50s. Lastly, on September 24th at 10a.m. Thea Yang will be speaking at this months 'Coffee at the Museum'. She will be giving a discourse on Hmong story cloths and Hmong history as well as their involvement in the Secret War in Laos. Come check out these events! Discover Burke CountyBurke County Chamber of CommerceRoberto Paganuzzi

Here is our official flyer for the 9/11 temporary installation exhibit currently underway. If anyone is compelled to don...
08/21/2026

Here is our official flyer for the 9/11 temporary installation exhibit currently underway. If anyone is compelled to donate the GoFundMe page is linked here below. Your donation will go to supporting the making of this project. ( https://gofund.me/2fb95cb26 ). Roberto PaganuzziBurke County Chamber of CommerceDiscover Burke County

☕ August Coffee at the Museum — Follow‑Up ReminderWe’re looking forward to welcoming you to our August Coffee at the Mus...
08/14/2026

☕ August Coffee at the Museum — Follow‑Up Reminder

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our August Coffee at the Museum on Thursday, August 27th at 10:00 AM in the Claude & Jo Sitton Education Center, located at 203 W. Meeting Street in Morganton.

This month’s program shines a light on the restoration of the Rock Hill A.M.E. Cemetery, an effort that reflects far more than the history of a single site. Some of our speakers: Jason Harpe of Richard Grubb and Associates, Allen Fullwood, descendant and museum board member, and Nora Coffey, Lake James State Park Ranger, and others, —will share insights into how communities can preserve sacred spaces and honor the stories held within them.

Attendees will learn practical preservation strategies that can be applied to historic cemeteries, churches, family burial grounds, and heritage sites throughout our region. You’ll also discover how partnerships between descendants, nonprofits, public agencies, volunteers, and preservation professionals can safeguard irreplaceable cultural resources for future generations.

Join us for meaningful conversation, shared learning, and a deeper appreciation of the places that connect us to our past. Admission is free.

Burke County Chamber of Commerce Burke County, NC Genealogy Burke County Public Library Discover Burke County Downtown Morganton, North Carolina Grace Ridge Grow with Drexel Town of Glen Alpine Town of Hildebran Town of Valdese The Paper Media Morganton News Herald | morganton.com

08/12/2026

This past week we had the pleasure of attending the Waldensian Heritage Museum's ribbon cutting for their new exhibit! We greatly enjoyed this experience, and we are always looking to support our fellow museums! A notable addition that stood out to us was the 'free smells' 😂 You'll love to check out the Waldensian Heritage museum (Waldensian Heritage Museum)and enjoy their scent-immersive experience! ゚viralシfypシ゚viralシalシ Discover Burke CountyBurke County Chamber of CommerceTown of Valdese

Address

201 W Meeting Street
Morganton, NC
28655

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+18284371777

Website

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