Featured Exhibit

Now in the Perry Rudnick Foundation Room

A commemoration of the sesquicentennial anniversary of the American Civil War.

This new Civil War exhibit features artifacts including:

• "An authentic 35 Star "Old Glory" Flag and authentic Confederate "Stars and Bars" Flag.
• SC Robinson Confederate Sharps rifle.
• Full dress uniforms of a field Artilleryman, 1865 Union.
• Infantryman and the Henderson County "Home Guard".

This extensive collection of never-before-seen military weaponry & accoutrements, dating back 150 years, is open to the public free of charge.

The Heritage Museum Salutes

County of Champions

Now showing in the Heritage Corridor is "County of Champions", a tribute to local high school basketball history prior to 1960 and consolidation. Each school has a designated board space to exhibit photographs of players, coaches, cheerleaders and records of tournament play-- old programs, tickets.

The exhibit video features former players and fans who remember the time when communities rallied their support behind a home team and heated up gymnasiums across this county (that is, if they had a gym).

Now playing on Government channel 11: County of Champions exhibit video.

Coming Soon

The Museum’s History/Heritage Committee are busy developing a future exhibit on the history of education in Henderson County that is scheduled for March. An old school room will be recreated in the Bo Thomas Room, while the history of the early schools will be explained in the Champion Hills Room. Please contact us if you have artifacts or would like to be interviewed.

We invite you on a journey to yesterday…

On your journey we want you to visit with the people, learn of their contributions, and reflect on milestone events that helped shape their lives and Henderson County, North Carolina.

We would like for you to view "evidences of yesterday" that will remind you of the heritage that has been the legacy of this county's pioneers. Colorful exhibits, diorama, educational programs, research, and collections reflect how the people of this county responded to their cultural, educational, political, and natural environments.

This Museum collects, preserves, researches, and exhibits a collection of historical and cultural artifacts. The process takes many shapes, forms, and media.

This museum, found within the Henderson County Historic Courthouse, seeks to preserve history and a sense of place. Consisting of six rooms, approximately 2000 square feet, the Museum spaces are designed for flexibility, capability, and versatility.

The Heritage Museum partners with other organizations that focus on "history and community" and provides services, upon request, to groups and individuals.

This Museum promotes appreciation for the people who have created and developed this county.

Welcome to the Henderson County Heritage Museum.

Current Events

Book Signings

• Feb 11, 2012   Robert Morgan, Lions of the West lecture & signing

Mission Statement

"The Henderson County Heritage Museum captures, promotes and celebrates our rich history and culture and engages residents and the greater community in preserving that heritage for present and future generations."

Hours Of Operation
Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

WW1: Three years in the Trenches

Now showing in the Bo Thomas Room, an expanded exhibit on WW1, our local involvement & a survey of WW1 aviation. Come see the full scale reproduction of a western front trench, authentic soldier uniforms, military weaponry & accoutrements. We have a display of famous aviators & the planes they flew.

Also showing is a three hour video loop containing amazing archive footage of the war, a tour of WW1 aircraft featured at the WNC Air museum & a fifteen minute biplane ride in it's entirety - filmed in hi-def over Henderson County. That's right, come take a virtual biplane ride from the pilots POV right in our exhibit hall! Can you spot Jackson Park, the Vulcan Rock Quarry & Jump Off Rock from 700ft.? Can you tell when the plane does a "lazy eight" flight pattern? Now boarding in the Bo Thomas room.

Now on sale in the gift shop - The Baker Barber Photo collection calendar. This 2011/2012 calendar features 100 years of history through a local lens. Mr Jody Barber donated the collection of photos to the Community Foundation of Henderson County. Henderson County Public Library is the steward of the collection and is charged with preserving and digitizing the collection. The calendar was produced through a cooperative effort between the museum & Friends of the Henderson County Public Library. Yours for $11.

Thanks to our sponsors

The Museum wishes to thank our county & media sponsors