About the Association
Our Mission & History
For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans.
As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association.
A legacy rooted in preservation
The Catawba County Historical Association (CCHA) traces its beginnings to 1936, and has grown from a gathering under an oak tree into a dynamic institution stewarding four historic sites, thousands of artifacts, and an extensive archive.
A group of visionary citizens gathers beneath the iconic Weidner Oak; J. Yates Killian is elected the Association’s first President of the Board.
The 10th anniversary. The growing collection is housed with the county library in the renovated Matthias Barringer Home.
The Association is officially incorporated, already demonstrating strong leadership and vision.
A fire destroys the Barringer Home, the library, and the early collections. The community rallies, and materials are safeguarded in the 1924 Courthouse basement for the next twelve years.
Publication of A History of Catawba County, a landmark work that fuels a county-wide passion for its past.
The Whitener-Hewitt Catawba County Museum is dedicated in a historic brick home on South Main Avenue in Newton.
Mrs. Douglas M. Eaton sells her family estate to CCHA; the Eaton Mansion serves as a hub of history and community for 21 years.
The Association returns to its roots with a long-term lease of the historic 1924 Courthouse — extended in 2002 for another 50 years.
This remarkable growth is a testament to the vision of its founders and the enduring support of its members, trustees, staff, and community.
The Catawba County Historical Association spearheaded the movement that has resulted, after many years of effort, in bringing to fruition the long-time dream of a comprehensive county history… these two ‘brave souls’ have for more than two decades carried the torch in drumming up interest in getting a county history published.
— Foreword, A History of Catawba County
Today, the Catawba County Historical Association remains steadfast in its mission to preserve and interpret the shared cultural heritage of this vibrant region. While our stories may differ by race, religion, or politics, history is our common thread. It defines who we are and inspires who we may become.
From its roots as a crossroads for traders to its present-day reputation for innovation in furniture, textiles, fiber optics, and healthcare, Catawba County stands as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and community. The Historical Association continues to honor that legacy—capturing the past, inspiring the present, and guiding the future.
Our Mission
The Catawba County Historical Association is an educational institution dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the stories, objects, and places that document the rich heritage of Catawba County and its role in the development of the Western Piedmont of North Carolina.