At Gaston County Museum, there's always something old and a lot that's new!  You can also plan your next special event or wedding at our historic building — call Jeff Pruett for details (704.922.7681 Ext. 105). Click for our rental brochure for the museum.

May 7 (Wednesday) — Coffee with the Curator 
Please join us for our monthly Coffee with the Curator program, from 10:30 AM till 11:30 AM.  During this program, Curator, Aimee Russell will identify objects and provide preservation assistance on pieces brought to the museum by visitors.  If objects are too large please bring photographs. During this program, object donations to the museum will also be considered. There is no appointment needed for this program and it is free and open to the public. Please note – there is a three item limit per person and there will be no monetary appraisals at this program.

May 10 (Saturday) — Noon to 3 pm — FREE Civil War Re-enactment Camp & Talk
Interested in learning more about the Civil War? Then join us on Saturday, May 10 from 12 PM – 3 PM. During this program, The Confederate History and Monument Preservation Society who portrays Company H of the 23rd NC troops will have a display setup, be on hand to answer questions about the Civil War, and give firing and drilling demonstrations. In honor of North Carolina Confederate Memorial Day at 1:00 PM, there will be a wreath laying ceremony on the Confederate Marker in Dallas, NC. At 2 PM there will be a special presentation by Jeremie England entitled “Civil War Soldiers of Gaston County.” Come join us for this unique free program!

Carolinas Textile Exhibit   Discover how cotton textile manufacturing transformed the Carolinas. Sights and sounds of the past combine with original objects, such as the world's longest running, original Edison generator (1884), the Loray Mill whistle, a ball gown and baseball uniform, to bring the history of the Carolinas to life.

Daniel Stowe Carriage House  Imagine life before automobiles. See sleighs, drays and buggies -- the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles exhibited in North Carolina!


1852 Hoffman Hotel  Notice the details - handmade brick, heart of pine floors, old glass set in 9-over-9s windows, and the simple Greek revival architectural style of our main building, constructed in 1852. Visit hotel rooms and parlors to see authentic period furnishings. 

The Museum's Collections
The museum, accredited by the American Association of Museums, holds in trust for current and future generations over 5,000 objects,  20,000 documents, over 400,000 photos which span the period from the 1500s through the 20th Century.  As a federally designated 501c3 organization, the museum gratefully accepts donations to support its exhibits, programs, research, preservation and public interpretation.

Hours/Address/InfoLine
Gaston County Museum of Art & History is open Tuesday thru Friday from 10am - 5pm, Saturday from 12 - 4 pm and every 1st Sunday from 2 - 5 pm. The museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible and admission is free. Gaston County Museum is located at 131 West Main Street in Dallas, NC. For more information about exhibits, programs and events, call the 24-hour info-line at (704)922-7681, #2.

Check out our calendar of events.

Special Event Planner — click to find out about using our attractive facilities, completed with a full kitchen, for your next business dinner, party, reception or other special event.

Tour Planner —
Click to find out how we can help you and your out-of-town group arrange visits: from discounted hotel rooms to attractions to special tours to restaurant reservations.

Map/Directions

UPCOMING EVENTS
May 8 — 9:30 AM — 11:00 AM — Special Program —
History Lives: Home School Living History Day
Please join us for a special interactive day for Home School Groups! Stations will include: historic toys and games, tour of the Hoffman Hotel, Civil War re-enactors, and a spinning wheel demonstration. Fees: $3 per child (activities are for ages 5-up – any child participating must pay). No refunds after April 18. Pre-registration required by May 1. Register by calling Jeff Pruett at 704.922.7681 x105 or email to jpruett@co.gaston.nc.us Come join us for this special day!

May 9 (Friday) —FREE 10th Annual Blues out Back Concert Series – Andy Schneider Music Show

Bring your lawn chairs and join the Gaston County Museum on May 9th for the first free Blues Out Back concert of the summer from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM featuring Andy Schneider. Prepare yourself for what may be a truly dizzying experience!

Blue Out Back is sponsored by First National Bank. Click for full season poster for 2008 Blues Out Back

To introduce Andy Schneider as a one-man band may not prepare you fully, nor do justice to the authenticity of the music. Andy Schneider preaches the blues: playing 8-string guitar (a combination of both bass and lead guitars), harmonica, drums and singing. Simultaneously. With a reverent nod to his blue and country roots, Schneider reinvents the traditional bluesman’s roles, igniting the music with a fire and passion that leaves audiences breathless.

Some Informational Links
Charlotte Regional History
   Consortium
Gaston-Lincoln Regional Library 
NC Business History  
NC Dept. of Cultural Resources
NC ECHO 
NC Museums Council 
NC Office of Archives & History