Housed in the renovated Loray Mill the Alfred C. Kessell History Center features a multimedia exhibit on the history of the Loray/Firestone mill as well as its employees and surrounding mill village.

A mill of national importance, the Loray/Firestone mill has a rich and dynamic history. Through renovation efforts, the mill has regained its nickname of "the Castle of Gastonia" by housing loft apartments, commercial and event spaces, as well as the Kessell History Center.