Gaston County Museum

in Dallas, NC

The museum houses two floors of changing exhibits, on history and/or art, the Daniel Stowe Carriage House, featuring the state’s largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the permanent Carolinas Textile Exhibit, showing the area’s primary commodity from the late 1800’s to mid-1900’s – cotton mills and the lives that revolved around them.

The Ties That Bind

The Ties that Bind showcases the history and the people that were behind our county’s most storied industry. Exploring the rich textile heritage of Gaston County and the region, the Carolinas Textile Exhibit: The Ties that Bind is located on the first floor of the museum.

Hoffman Hotel Rooms

Experience the Museum’s Hoffman Hotel years by viewing three existing period rooms and a hands-on hotel room on the third floor. Discover historic graffiti, tighten your own rope bed, or try on fashions from the Victorian era.

Gathering Room

Discover more of Gaston County's rich and diverse history in rotating Gathering Room exhibits.

One County, Many Voices

This exhibit was made possible through collaboration with Gaston County Schools and support from a Grassroots grant provided by the Gaston County Arts Council. Six Gaston County high schools have created a joint mural exhibit in a street art style. Students were mentored by Gaston native and Charlotte-based muralist Bree Stallings. Each school was assigned a word that reflected the qualities of acceptance and community, as well as a specific color. Students had the freedom to design their mural in the style of their choosing, reflecting their word and artistic vision.

Sculpture Garden

Located in the backyard of the Museum, the Sculpture Garden features 8 sculptures from local artists. View sculptures by Lee Hansel, Keith Lampert, Richard Gilbert, Bailey Graham Weathers and Catherine Kakassey. The garden offers a unique juxtaposition to the surrounding nature.

Depot

One of the Museum’s primary art galleries, the Carolina & Northwestern Train Depot was built in 1903 and was moved to the museum in 1977. The Depot houses rotating art exhibits from regional artists.

Carriage House

The Daniel Stowe Carriage House is home to North Carolina’s largest collection of horse drawn vehicles. On display are sleighs and carriages dating from 1840’s to the 1980’s. Take a ride into the past through the Daniel Stowe Carriage House!

The Hoffman Hotel

In 1852, Daniel Hoffman built an impressive 44-room hotel on the southeast corner of the Dallas Court Square. Bricks were made on-site, as were the square-headed nails used in construction of the hotel, which consisted of a basement and an attic, 3 floors of hotel rooms, dining room and family quarters. Step back in time as you view the Greek Revival architecture and Victorian furnishings.

Collections and Archives

An extensive storage location houses over 25,000 artifacts and has increased the Museum’s collecting potential from a single room to five climate controlled, secure rooms—ensuring the preservation of Gaston County art and history for generations to come. The new facility showcases a public Research Room for residents and visitors to access and discover more about Gaston County art and history.

The Collections and Archives Facility is located at

1904 Dallas-Cherryville Hwy in Dallas, NC

See open times

Loray Mill

Loray Mill is located at 300 South Firestone Street, Gastonia, NC 28052. The Kessell History Center is located on the second level of the mill, near the front offices.