HIGH POINT – Reliving a time of the past while celebrating the holiday season has visitors flocking to the High Point Museum.
Established in 1966 by citizens of High Point, the museum shares the history of the city and strengthens the sense of community.
“When the citizens started the museum, one of their goals was to save the John Haley House which was built in 1786. John Haley was a prominent citizen, local blacksmith and sheriff,” said Teresa Loflin, community relations director.
The museum, open year-round, offers exhibits, demonstrations, artifacts and collections for viewing of High Point’s history.
In the main gallery space, visitors are encouraged to explore the images and stories that document the individuals who lived, worshipped and worked in High Point. Four featured exhibits include:
- New Deal in High Point — This exhibit showcases the lasting impact of the various New Deal projects on the physical landscape of High Point that are still visible today. Highlighting several New Deal building projects and their legacy in High Point, the projects include the CCC Camp, High Point City Lake Park, Washington Terrace Park, Allen Jay Rock Gym, and Clara Cox and Daniel Brooks Housing Developments.
- Lowering of the Tracks — A photographic exhibit in the lecture gallery allows visitors to take an in-depth look at one of High Point’s most significant New Deal projects.
- Meredith’s Miniatures — Set on a scale of 1:12, this exhibit features vignettes of rooms and places that showcase extreme detail and intricate craftsmanship.
- High Point Furniture Heritage — High Point is the furniture capital of the state, and this exhibit examines the history of the relationship between the furniture industry and the people of High Point. Offering a unique perspective on the history of furniture manufacturing, this exhibit includes interactive elements, video, photographs, memorabilia, machinery and furniture.
Adjacent to the High Point Museum, the Historical Park features three historic buildings include the John Haley House (circa 1786), the Hoggatt House (circa 1801) and a working blacksmith shop (circa 1841), in addition to an historically authentic herb garden.
Of course, the museum and park are decorated for the holidays. In case you missed the 45th annual open house this past weekend, there are still plenty of opportunities to visit the museum and participate in unique activities destined to take you back to the days before technology and electronic devices ruled the kitchen.
A trademark of the High Point Museum is its authentic trades demonstrations. Slated for Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., a costumed blacksmith will be crafting iron pieces throughout the day. The following Saturday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., cooks will prepare a fall harvest meal over an open hearth in the Hoggatt House.
“These demonstrations provide hands-on experiences for children and adults to learn about this time of year when people were preparing the fall harvest and running fires all day to keep warm,” said Loflin. “The open-hearth demonstrations show the cooking of vegetables, potatoes, ham and collards very differently than they are today. This is a nice way for us to help visitors interpret what life was like in this home.”
Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and visitors are welcome to drop-in on the demonstrations. No scheduled appointment is necessary.
For more information on the High Point Museum call 336-885-1859 or visit highpointmuseum.org.
