About Us 

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 Story of the Catawba County Historical Association

The Catawba County Historical Association (CCHA) traces its beginnings to 1936, when a group of visionary citizens gathered beneath the iconic Weidner Oak to lay the groundwork for what would become one of North Carolina’s most respected historical organizations. That same year, the Association elected its first President of the Board, J. Yates Killian, and began what would become a decades-long commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Catawba County.

By the spring of 1946, CCHA celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a major milestone by partnering with the county library to house its growing collection in the renovated Matthias Barringer Home. This structure stood proudly at the site of the former War Memorial, now the Newton Recreation Center.

Though officially incorporated in 1949, the Association had already demonstrated strong leadership and vision. Spurred by a statewide mandate to support historical preservation at the county level, CCHA undertook the ambitious task of publishing a comprehensive county history. This dream came to fruition in 1954 with the release of A History of Catawba County, a landmark publication that fueled a county-wide passion for its past.

Tragedy struck in 1952 when a fire destroyed the Barringer Home, the library, and the Association’s early collections. In response, the community rallied to support CCHA as it safeguarded its materials in the basement of the 1924 Courthouse for the next twelve years. A new chapter began in 1960 with the dedication of the Whitener-Hewitt Catawba County Museum, housed in a historic brick home on South Main Avenue in Newton.

As the Association’s collections and ambitions grew, so too did the need for space. In 1972, Mrs. Douglas M. Eaton sold her family’s estate to CCHA, providing a more expansive home for its operations. For the next 21 years, the Eaton Mansion stood as a hub of history and community connection. Once again outgrowing its space, the Association entered into a long-term lease agreement with Catawba County in 1992 to move into the historic 1924 Courthouse—a symbolic return to its early roots. This agreement was extended in 2002 for another 50 years.

From modest beginnings, CCHA has grown into a dynamic institution stewarding four historic sites, thousands of artifacts, and an extensive archive of documents and photographs. This remarkable growth is a testament to the vision of its founders and the enduring support of its members, trustees, staff, and community.

As noted in the foreword of A History of Catawba County:

“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… Raymond L. Hefner, late president of the Association and one of its organizers, is along with Dr. J. E. Hodges, and others entitled to special mention… these two ‘brave souls’… have for more than two decades carried the torch in drumming up interest in getting a county history published.”

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.