History in the Making

About Us

Stanly County is a crossroads of history.  Its people have helped mold and define the cultural landscape of the county, the state, and the nation for more than 10,000 years. Our citizens value their history and have diligently worked together to establish the Stanly County Museum to safeguard the objects of their heritage. With so many different cultures and catalysts creating history in this “land between the rivers,” the Stanly County Museum has a unique collection of artifacts—from examples of Native American art and pottery to restored pioneer homes.  We invite you to discover the rich heritage that is Stanly County, North Carolina.

The Stanly County Museum is a department of the Stanly County Public Library and works closely with the Stanly County Historical Society, whose office is housed in the museum’s building.

Location: The museum is now located in the Stanly County History Center
157 North 2nd Street, Albemarle, NC 28001
Telephone: 704-986-3777

Hours
9am-5pm on Monday – Friday

9am-1pm, the last Saturday of every month.

The Museum is closed on or around all major holidays.

Current Exhibits

Main Gallery: A General History of Stanly County.

The exhibit starts with the Native Americans and covers Early Education and Home Life, Transportation, Industries, Military Battles, and the last 100 years.  Visitors can listen to oral histories from Stanly County World War II veterans, card cotton,  learn how to transfer calls on our interactive telephone switchboard and much more.

Changing Exhibit Area: Apollo 16 Command Module Mockup and related memorabilia 

The Stanly County History Center has a new exhibit on display. Brad Perry, who was a 16-year-old student at Albemarle High school in the 1970’s, gained national attention when he constructed a mockup of the Apollo Command Module in the basement of his home.

When you come to the Stanly County History Center you will be able to look inside Brad’s Command Module mockup where he spent 11 days, one hour and 51 minutes simulating the Apollo 16 lunar mission.
Also, on display are the flight suits he wore, freeze dried food that the astronauts ate during the mission, numerous pictures of the astronauts and of Brad as he simulated the trip to the moon and back.
Brad graduated from Georgia Tech, served 6 years flying as a U.S. Air Force pilot, and spent his career working for NASA. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and has over 3,800 hours flying time.

Tours

The Museum Gallery is self-guided. Guided tours of the Daniel Freeman House and I.W. Snuggs House are usually available daily upon request. Please call ahead to schedule a tour.

Admission
Admission is FREE. The Stanly County Museum is a public and educational service provided by Stanly County Government.