History in the Making

Welcome!

Live and in Technicolor!

Our newest virtual exhibit is our “Live and in Technicolor!” Exhibit! Using AI technology, we have enhanced and colorized hundreds of photographs in our collection, giving us new perspectives of the people and places that came before us. The original black and white photographs are also displayed. Make sure you click the arrow on each picture to see the colorized version as well. On display are also artifacts that relate to the pictures.

Stanly County: “The Land Between the Rivers”

In this exhibit, we examine how the people of Stanly County have helped mold and define the cultural landscape of this county for more than 10,000 years.  With so many different cultures and catalysts creating history in this “land between the rivers”, the Stanly County Museum has amassed a large collection of unique artifacts since it started accepting donations in the 1970s.  From the Native Americans to the booming downtowns of the early 20th century, this exhibit showcases the rich history that is Stanly County.   

The Stanly County Museum is excited to release their first Virtual 3d Tour of one of their exhibits: “Play Ball! Stanly County Baseball through the Years”. Pictures, artifacts, and videos are all available with a click of a button! Learn about some of the first baseball teams in Stanly County, watch the first ever known video of a baseball game, learn why the Albemarle American Legion Team were guests at the 1940 World Series, and much more!

About the History Center

Stanly County is a crossroads of history.  Its people have helped mold and define the cultural landscape of the county, the state, and the nation for more than 10,000 years. Our citizens value their history and have diligently worked together to establish the Stanly County Museum to safeguard the objects of their heritage. With so many different cultures and catalysts creating history in this “land between the rivers,” the Stanly County Museum has a unique collection of artifacts—from examples of Native American art and pottery to restored pioneer homes.  We invite you to discover the rich heritage that is Stanly County, North Carolina.

The Stanly County Museum is a department of the Stanly County Public Library and works closely with the Stanly County Historical Society, whose office is housed in the museum’s building.

Location:
157 North 2nd Street, Albemarle, NC 28001
Telephone: 704-986-3777

Hours:

  • Monday through Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Last Saturday of each month: 9 AM to 1 PM

Current Exhibits

Main Gallery: A General History of Stanly County

This exhibit begins with the first settlers of Stanly County, the Native Americans,and then examines Early Education and Home Life, Transportation, Industries, Military Battles, and the last 100 years.  Visitors can listen to oral histories from Stanly County World War II veterans, card cotton,  learn how to transfer calls on our interactive telephone switchboard and much more.

Admission:

Admission is FREE. The Stanly County History Center is a public and educational service provided by Stanly County Government.