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 stateās largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and the permanent Carolinas Textile Exhibit, showing the areaās primary commodity from the late 1800ās to mid-1900ās ā 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 countyās 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 Museumās 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 Museumās 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 Carolinaās largest collection of horse drawn vehicles. On display are sleighs and carriages dating from 1840ās to the 1980ās. 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 Museumās collecting potential from a single room to five climate controlled, secure roomsāensuring 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
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.
Groups
The Gaston County Museum strives to inspire diverse audiences to consider their shared histories through the art and history of Gaston County, NC and its surrounding region.
ā¢ 3 Locations with 5 meeting rooms
ā¢ Total meeting space ā 5,500 sq. ft.
ā¢ Largest meeting room ā 3,100 sq. ft.
Tours
Groups of 10 or more are encouraged to schedule their visit to the museum in order to ensure the best visit possible. Private tours are available upon request, or Museum Guides can direct your group on how to enjoy the museum at your own pace.
For questions or to schedule your visit, call 704-922-7681.
Rentals
The Gaston County Museum strives to inspire diverse audiences to consider their shared histories through the art and history of Gaston County, NC and its surrounding region.