Donate

Thanks to the generosity of the City of Morganton, and the County of Burke a building was provided to house a museum for the county. Many individuals, groups, foundations, and businesses donated the funds necessary to renovate the building and to provide for its operation. The Museum depends primarily on volunteers for operation. It remains open to the public admission free five days a week. The Museum also operates the Morganton Railroad Depot that is open Saturdays 1pm – 3pm.

Please call (828) 437-1777 or click the button below if you wish to make a monetary donation.

Donations of Artifacts

The Museum welcomes donations of artifacts. Currently over 22,000 are housed in the Museum. Many are featured in one of our many exhibits. The Acquisitions & Collections Committee meets regularly to evaluate recent artifact donations for acceptance. A signed Deed of Gift is required to transfer ownership. We also accept loans of artifacts under special circumstances. Artifacts are not automatically placed on exhibit after their acceptance. Current exhibits, space available, and preservation needs may result in an artifact being placed in storage.

Pathway to History

The donations for commemorative bricks will further enhance our ability to meet needs.  The “Pathway to History” provides an opportunity for you to leave the name of a loved one or other special person engraved in the bricks in the pathway.

A commemorative brick is a wonderful gift to honor or memorialize a special person(s). A donation of $100 per brick will secure your place in history. The pathway is located on the Meeting Street side of the building.

Donations of Stocks, Bonds, Real Estate, Life Insurance, Deferred Gifts; Naming Opportunities and Sponsorships for Exhibits; and donations to the Museum Endowment Funds.  

Support of the History Museum may provide a special federal tax advantage under IRS code 501c(3). There are opportunities to honor or memorialize someone by participation in sponsorships and naming opportunities of exhibits. Pledges are accepted for these, and a special plaque will be placed in or near the selected exhibit, with the wording selected by the donor(s). Endowment Funds are with Community Foundation of Burke County. 

If you are interested in making one of these donations, please call Claude Sitton at (828) 437-1777.