Juneteenth Living Wax Museum

We’re kicking off the Juneteenth Block Party in Downtown Newton with the return of the Living Wax Museum, presented by the Catawba County Museum of History! Doors open at 5 PM—come early and spend some time experiencing living history through interactive portrayals of influential African American figures who helped shape our world. Originally featured during Black History Month, this powerful exhibit brings these stories to life in honor of Juneteenth

Phairlever Pearson Unveiling

Join us June 22 for the unveiling of the Phairlever Pearson exhibit!

We’re opening our doors at 2:00 PM, with the event running from 2–4 PM and light refreshments to follow.

We’re honored to welcome Pauletta Pearson Washington as our special guest for this meaningful celebration.

Come experience the legacy—in person

Purchase Tickets!

Ghost/Busted Paranormal Investigation

Tour the Unknown of Catawba County’s Past

For the first time ever, the Historical Association of Catawba County is partnering with the incredible Ghost/Busted team to host a two-day paranormal investigation across three of our most iconic historic properties—and you can be part of it!

This exclusive event includes the first public investigation of the well-known Murray’s Mill Historic District, a rare opportunity to explore a site that has long captured the curiosity of locals and staff alike.

Whether you're a seasoned investigator or simply fascinated by the unknown, this experience blends history, science, and the supernatural in a truly unique way.

Event Schedule:

Friday, June 27 | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM

• Catawba County Museum of History

Saturday, June 28

• 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Murray’s Mill Historic District

• 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Harper House / Hickory History Center

What to Expect:

• Learn about the history of each property

• Get hands-on with professional paranormal investigation equipment

• Hear from the GhostBusted team and our own staff about real experiences

• Understand the scientific theories behind unexplained activity

• Explore each location on your own after guided sessions

This is a limited-capacity event, and tickets are going fast. Don’t miss your chance to investigate one of Catawba County’s most talked-about historic sites—for the very first time

America 250 Celebration

Get ready to celebrate an unforgettable milestone in history—the 250th anniversary of America becoming a country! Join us at the Catawba County Museum of History for a thrilling exhibit that will transport you through time, honoring our nation's incredible journey. Experience engaging exhibits, captivating stories, and special activities that bring America's past to life. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of the celebration as we reflect on 250 years of freedom, courage, and progress!

History Museum

40 for Fortieth

The recent cancellation of the Harvest Folk Festival at Murray’s Mill leaves our community reeling. This annual event, which typically raises around $40,000, is not only a celebration of local culture and heritage but also our largest fundraiser for the preservation and maintenance of the Mill. Without the festival, we face a significant shortfall that threatens the ongoing care and restoration of this historic site, which has become a cherished landmark for generations.

The implications of this cancellation extend far beyond just the financial aspect. The festival brings together families, artists, and local businesses, fostering a sense of community that is now sorely missed. Each year, attendees look forward to enjoying live music, crafts, and delicious food while supporting the preservation of a vital piece of our history. Losing this event feels like losing a part of our community’s identity and spirit.

In light of this setback, we reach out for support to help us bridge the gap. We ask for $40 donations, and as a token of our appreciation, donors receive a complimentary Harvest Folk Festival t-shirt while supplies last. Your generosity plays a crucial role in ensuring that Murray’s Mill continues to thrive and that we can work toward bringing the festival back in the future. Together, we can keep our community’s history alive!

DONATE HERE!

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.

Help us to keep the HACC properties alive and thriving by making a donation or contributing in any way you can. We greatly appreciate the support of our donors and members, as they play a vital role in sustaining the Historical Association of Catawba County.

For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC.

For questions, please contact Susan Holbrook at (828) 465-0383.