Gaston County Museum of Art & History:
131 W. Main
St., Dallas
Mailing Address: PO Box 429, Dallas, NC 28034
Hours: Tues. – Fri. 10-5, Saturday 1 – 5, 1st Sunday 2 –
5.
Call for other hours. 704-922-7681 Opt.2
www.gastoncountymuseum.org
Begin your tour of this multifaceted attraction with the museum's main building, the former Hoffman Hotel, constructed in 1852 in an elegantly simple Greek Revival style. It features authentically furnished period rooms, a "hands-on" parlor, a gift shop and changing exhibits which explore art, history and historic preservation.
The new Carolinas Textile Exhibit displays patent models of textile machinery from the Smithsonian and an original 1884 Edison dynamo, the first hydroelectric power generator in the South and the longest running of its kind in the world. A stunning Congressional Ball gown was worn by the Maid of Cotton in 1946. Interactive videos feature compelling recollections and descriptions of textile mills and villages–ranging from amusing stories about baseball teams and community life to broad discussions of regional labor history.
Stroll
out back to North Carolina's largest public collection of horse-drawn
vehicles including sleighs, drays and buggies in the Daniel Stowe Carriage
House.
Seasonal Events And Special Programs
- Blues
Out Back; 2nd Fridays of June, July, & August:
Gaston County Museum kicks off its popular program Blues Out Back
sponsored by Gaston Federal Bank. Contact the Museum for details on
this and other programs, most of which are free.
- Drop-in Day Camp; summer Thursdays: Welcome to a new summer of stories, games, crafts and fun. This year campers will hunt for "gold," blow bubbles, and celebrate Independence Day with old-fashioned homemade ice cream. For children ages 5-10; children under 5 must be accompanied by a parent. 10-11:30 am -- Free
Shopping
The Museum Store features special merchandise related to art, history, heritage, preservation, and current exhibits.
Research Facilities And Resources
Gaston County Museum curates over 5,000 objects in its Collections, as well as over 450,000 historic documents and photographs. Access to archives and Collections is limited pending funding for digital photo-documentation, on-line access, and restoration of full staffing. Researchers seeking access to Collections are advised to contact the registrar at 704-923-8103, ext. 3 to request an appointment. Due to the current staffing limitations, a minimum of two months notice is advised.
Hours And Amenities
- Tuesday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm
- Saturday 1 pm - 5 pm
- 1st Sunday 2 pm - 5 pm
- Private tours and hours by special arrangement.
- Gaston County Museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
- Admission is free.
How To Find Gaston County Museum
The museum is located at 131 W. Main Street in historic Dallas, NC, about 20 miles west of Charlotte and 4 miles north of Gastonia. From I-85 take US 321North and follow the signs to Dallas and the museum.
Mailing address: PO Box 429, Dallas NC 28034
E-mail address: museum@co.gaston.nc.us
Web address: www.gastoncountymuseum.org
Telephone: 24 hour info-line 704 922-7681
Old Gaston County Courthouse
131 N. Gaston Street, Dallas
Located in the middle of the court square, this 1848 Greek Revival building was rebuilt in 1875 after a fire. It currently houses the Dallas police headquarters. Flowering shrubs, mature oaks and park benches provide a pleasant place to enjoy this authentic small town court square, and views of the nearby Gaston County Museum.
National Register of Historic Places District
Listed as a National
Register Historic Places District, the center of Dallas features the Old
Gaston County Courthouse, the Gaston County Museum, the Old Jail, and
other buildings surrounding the court square. Walking tours of the square
are available at Gaston County Museum.
Information: 704-922-7681
