Pause on Collecting Statement
The Gaston County Museum has been a collecting institution since 1976. In that time, the collections have grown to nearly 83,000 art and historical objects and documents! As we approach our 50th anniversary, the Museum is pausing its collecting efforts to further reflect on the new direction for the Museum and continue to care for the items already in the collection. We are excited to develop a revised call for collections intended to ensure continued focus on our mission of preservation and education, serving our community for decades to come.
COLLECTIONS
Eagle Scout
Eagle Scouts in Gaston County - A photographic print post card of a young African-American boy wearing a Scout uniform.
Typewriter, Zoe Brockman
Zoe Brockman Typewriter
Side Saddle
Margaret Dellinger’s Side Saddle, Cherryville
Bessemer City Yearbook
Bessemer City High School Yearbook 1965
PAYSOUR CORRESPONDANCE
This note was written on a partial piece of paper, to W. George Paysour from Jacob Paysour pertaining the procession of his land in 1838.
MILL PAINTING
Painting of a view of the American & Efird Mill in West Gastonia as viewed from W. Popular St.
HIGHLAND COMMUNITY
Picture of Highland – Circa 1950’s photo of a parade in the Highland community
SMYRE BELL
The Smyre bell was cast by McShane Bell Co. [Baltimore (Dundalk), MD -1856-1979, and served as the shift changing bell for the Smyre Mill up until the early 1960’s
Dr. Erwin's Bag
Early 1900s- This bag belonged to Dr. Herbert Erwin (1879-1949), Gaston County’s first African- American doctor.
John T. Biggers Gift
The Gaston County Museum of Art & History announces a ground-breaking gift of 250 works by John T. Biggers from the Hazel Biggers Trust- one of the largest single collections of works on paper from the significant 20th century artist, and Gastonia native.
Recent Acquisition:
Exploe the new Lineberger Collection researched and written by the 2024 Collections and Curatorial Intern by clicking here.
Additional Resources:
Explore more Gaston County history, and digitized Gaston County Museum collections by searching DigitalNC.
Ask the Collections Manager:
Have specific questions about Gaston County Museum collections? Contact Shannon.White@gastongov.com
