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The
Caldwell Heritage Museum encompasses
almost two dozen permanent displays of donated artifacts covering
the entirety of Caldwell County's history. These displays are spread
over the two floors of the museum. In addition, special displays are featured by the entrance on the main floor, across from the gift shop. These special displays change approximately every three months. |
| Main floor: 1. Native Americans, pre-1763. Spears, arrowheads, clubs, axes and soapstone shards from the regional Indian cultures in Western North Carolina. 2. Pioneer/Revolutionary: 1763-1841. Early maps showing natural boundaries and landmarks as well as Bishop Spangenberg's survey. Locations of frontier forts, Fort Defiance and Port Grider. 3. Formation of county: 1841-1861. Deeds of the land that became Lenoir, the county seat. Photos of the early days and the first courthouse. |
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4. Civil War: 1861-1865. Letter from a local Civil
War veteran. Copies of the original enlistment list of the first
company formed in Caldwell County. Samples of Confederate money.
Photos of Caldwell County veterans. 5. The county progresses: 1865-1900. The turnpike connected Lenoir to Blowing Rock. County Commission form of government established. |
| 6. The Fire Department: 1877. Early bucket from bucket
brigade; fire bell, fire box, and photos of the development of the
Lenoir fire department. 7. The Railroad: 1884. The railroad opened the country for transportation as well as to importing and exporting. 8. Furniture (1889) and other industries. Furniture has been the economic backbone of the country. Daily life was settled into routine in the county. Towns of Granite Falls, Rhodhiss, and Hudson incorporated. |
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The 20th century: 1950- Communications with the outside world
became modern with telephones, telegraph, radio and television. 10. More towns incorporated; winter storms; Billy Graham preaches in Lenoir; the county moves forward. |
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| 11. Farm implements. Tools used on the farm and dairy. Mowing
scythes, corn shellers, and hay cradles. 12. (Stage area). The 20th century: 1900-1950. Spinning wheels and looms as well as the coverlets and quilts show how items where made by hand. The musical instruments reflect the musical tastes of an earlier period. |
| 13. Reading and listening room (the Library). The Rufus B. Davis musical collection ranging from Grand Ole Opry. Military books from the William Strawn and Hamp Robbins libraries. Papers of Nancy Alexander and other local historians. Clipping files from local newspapers, and other records of local families. (The clipping files and other records are being kept current.) |
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Second floor: 14. Military room. Uniforms, documents, photos, weapons, and artifacts from 20th century wars. 15. Kitchen items used in the preparation and preservation of food. 16. Business machines. Typewriters, check writers, and an adding machine that belonged to Broyhill Industries. (The three walls in that room display a panoramic painting of the Davenport campus that includes the current museum building.) |
| 17. Caldwell County music room. Band items and
uniforms from several Caldwell County schools. Items from George
Kirsten's musical collection and about other Caldwell County
musicians. 18. Medical room. Equipment belonging to Drs. A. A. Kent, Marcus Hickman, and Harry Hickman. Portrait of Dr. Caroline McNairy. Photos of other Caldwell County physicians. |
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19. Potpourri room. Miscellaneous items reflecting daily life in
Caldwell County. (Can you imagine what the pictured contraption was
for?) 20. Caldwell County schools. School desks, keepsake items, trophies, and photos of the various county schools. |
| 21. Davenport College room. Pictures and artifacts
that reflect life at Davenport. A partial collection of Davenport
yearbooks and catalogs. 22. An open fireplace, a rope bed, and household items show life from earlier days. |
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