05/11/2025
History of the Jefcoat Museum (a dedication to the man, and the men who won his collection)
*Below you will find only a few pictures of the wonderfully amazing
treasures at the museum'
**Please share! This slice of hostory in our little corner of the world
needs to be seen!!
The Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana, located in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, is a remarkable institution dedicated to preserving a vast collection of American artifacts from the 1850s to the 1950s. The museum is housed in the former Murfreesboro High School, a building that opened in 1922 and was repurposed to accommodate this extensive collection.
Origins and Founder:
Brady Cromer Jefcoat, born in 1916 in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, was a self-made man who overcame early life challenges, including a debilitating injury to his right arm at age 16. Despite this, he became a skilled carpenter, electrician, and general contractor in Raleigh, North Carolina. His passion for collecting began in earnest in the early 1970s after the death of his wife, Lillian Finch Newsome. A chance encounter with an old phonograph sparked his interest, leading him to amass one of the largest collections of phonographs in the world.
The Collection:
Over 35 years, Jefcoat collected more than 18,000 items, including phonographs, music boxes, radios, household appliances, farm tools, and period furniture. His collection is particularly noted for its extensive array of washing machines, irons, and dairy equipment, believed to be among the largest in America. The museum's exhibits are organized thematically, with rooms dedicated to specific categories, such as music, agriculture, and domestic life.
Establishment of the Museum:
Jefcoat was adamant that his collection remain intact and be displayed in its entirety. After declining offers from institutions like the Smithsonian and the North Carolina Museum of History, he chose to donate his collection to the Murfreesboro Historical Association. The acquisition of this historical treasure was due to amazing men, my friend Colon Ballance, and my dearly departed friend, Brinson Paul (Edgar Brinson Paul). The old Murfreesboro High School was selected as the museum's location, and after extensive renovations, the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana officially opened in 1997.
​Visiting the Museum:
Today, the museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into American life from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its diverse exhibits include everything from antique musical instruments to vintage household items.
The museum is open on Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. For more information, you can visit their official website at https://www.thejefcoatmuseum.org
