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

The History Museum of Burke County

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Morganton, NC
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.

05/26/2026

Set your reminder now — This Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 AM is Coffee at the Museum, and this is one you won’t want to miss.

The History Museum of Burke County is hosting Erin Kizer and Meredith Maiken of The Industrial Commons, leaders in rebuilding our manufacturing legacy and expanding economic opportunity across the region.

They’ll unpack the powerful connection between infrastructure, land conservation, and long-term community prosperity.

Come be part of a conversation that’s shaping the future of Burke County.

Burke County Chamber of Commerce Burke County Public Library Discover Burke County Grace Ridge Town of Valdese Town of Hildebran Town of Glen Alpine The Paper Media Morganton News Herald | morganton.com

05/15/2026

Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 AM for a special Coffee at the Museum in the Claude and Jo Sitton Education Center.
This month, we're honored to host Erin Kizer and Meredith Maiken from The Industrial Commons, an organization leading the charge in rebuilding our manufacturing legacy while creating equitable economic opportunities across our region.
They'll also explore how infrastructure planning and land conservation play a vital role in rooting wealth locally and strengthening communities for generations.
A powerful conversation you won't want to miss.
Burke County Public LibraryGrace RidgeBurke Arts CouncilBurke County Chamber of CommerceBurke County Public Schools

04/28/2026

The History Museum is looking for volunteers. Are you a history buff or someone who enjoys talking with people? We are in need of some tour guides. We will train you. If you love Burke County, this is the place for you. We ask that you be available 1 day week for just 3 hours. If your bilingual that is fantastic but not a requirement. We are also in need of someone who can do lawn maintenance one day a week, all tools provided. Are you a handyman/woman who can do small fix it jobs, come on down, we would love to talk with you as well. Great for retirees, school public service requirements, looks great ons college applications. Call us at 828-437-1777 or come see us at 201 W. Meeting Street.

04/21/2026

We’re looking forward to seeing you this Thursday, April 23 at 10 AM for Coffee at the Museum!
Dan Hoyle, president of Grow with Drexel, will be sharing how their team is working hand‑in‑hand with the Town of Drexel and local partners to build a stronger community.

Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation — and leave inspired by what’s possible when people work together.

Grow with Drexel Burke County Chamber of Commerce Grace Ridge The Paper Media Morganton News Herald | morganton.com Downtown Morganton, North Carolina Burke County Public Library

04/17/2026

A reminder that we are closed tomorrow for the funeral of our dear friend and colleague Waits Gordon. We will reopen at our regular time on Tuesday, April 21st, at 10:00 AM.

04/14/2026

Mark your calendars for the next Coffee at the Museum!
On Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 AM, the History Museum of Burke County welcomes Dan Hoyle, president of Grow with Drexel, to the Claude and Jo Sitton Education Center (The Annex).

Dan will share how he and the Grow with Drexel team partner with the Town of Drexel and local organizations to strengthen their community — and the exciting progress they’ve made so far.

Join us for coffee, conversation, and a look at what collaborative community growth really looks like.

Grow with Drexel Burke County Chamber of Commerce Burke County Public Library Discover Burke County Grace Ridge The Paper Media Town of Glen AlpineTown of Valdese Town of HildebranMorganton News Herald | morganton.com

04/10/2026

We will be closed tomorrow (Saturday, April 11th) for our annual membership meeting and also on Saturday, April 18th for the funeral of our friend, Waits Gordon.

Thank you for your understanding.

04/01/2026

Today, we honor and remember the life of Waits Gordon, who passed away on March 28. Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on the extraordinary impact he had on our history museum and on every person fortunate enough to know him.

Waits was more than a devoted member of our community—he was its steady heartbeat. For ten years, he served as Chairman of the Board with unwavering dedication, guiding the museum with wisdom, humility, and a deep love for preserving our shared history. But his service didn’t stop at leadership. Every Saturday, without fail, he volunteered as a docent, greeted visitors at the front desk, and made sure our monthly Coffee at the Museum events were warm, welcoming, and ready before guests arrived. His generosity of time and spirit seemed endless.

In 2023, Waits received the Claude S. Sitton Award for his exceptional service—a recognition that only begins to capture the depth of his contributions. He truly was the engine that kept the museum thriving, always working quietly behind the scenes to make sure everything—and everyone—was cared for.

We will miss his kindness, his steady presence, and the joy he brought into our halls. His legacy will live on in the stories he preserved, the people he inspired, and the community he helped build.

Thank you, Waits, for everything you gave. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

03/24/2026

Don't Forget- this Thursday, March 26th, at 10:00 am, Mr. Danny Scalise, Health Director of Burke County, will be our guest speaker.

Mr. Scalise will walk us through Burke County’s latest Community Health Assessment, a comprehensive report that
examines community health across key areas, such as demographics, social determinants, clinical care, behavioral and mental health, older adult needs, and environmental factors.

He will highlight both areas of success and areas of concern based on data and community feedback

He will also provide an update on Burke County’s first reported measles case last month, offering insight into what this means for our community and how public health teams respond.

Please plan to attend this important discussion to get the latest, accurate information, direct from the source.

Admission is free. See you there!

03/17/2026

📣 Join Us for March Coffee at the Museum!
☕ Thursday, March 26th @ 10:00 AM
📍 History Museum of Burke County- Education Center (the Annex)
We’re excited to welcome Danny Scalise, Burke County’s Health Director, as our guest speaker for this month’s Coffee at the Museum. Danny will be joining us for one of his final public talks before he leaves for his new role in April, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to hear from him.
During his presentation, Danny will walk us through Burke County’s latest Community Health Assessment, a comprehensive report that:
Examines community health across key areas such as demographics, social determinants, clinical care, behavioral and mental health, older adult needs, and environmental factors
Highlights both areas of success and areas of concern based on data and community feedback
Helps set local health priorities that shape the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)—a long‑term strategy for addressing public health challenges in Burke County
He will also provide an update on Burke County’s first reported measles case last month, offering insight into what this means for our community and how public health teams respond.
This is an important and timely conversation, and we hope you’ll join us for coffee, community, and meaningful discussion.
Admission is free. We look forward to seeing you there!

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

http://www.thehistorymuseumofburke.org/

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