Exhibit case transformation...

One of the downstairs exhibit cases was recently updated. It now features objects from Clinton A. Cilley, a Union officer during the Civil War who later made his home in Catawba County. Come see!

Murray's Mill in the Movies

While searching the archives recently, I came across an old issue of the Hickory Metro newsletter from 1996. Much to my surprise the front page showed Murray's Mill--but it looked a little bit different...turns out, Murray's Mill was the set of a 1996 NBC movie, The Lottery. It is based on Shirley Jackson's famous short story and the screenplay was written by Anthony Spinner. You can read the story here. The movie starred Keri Russell and Dan Cortese.



Another movie filmed at the Mill was Wildflower in 1991. Also a made-for-tv movie, it was directed by Diane Keaton and featured Beau Bridges and a young Reese Witherspoon.



The Mill reopens for the season March 13th. Come visit--it's famous!

Winter Wonderland

While most of the snow has melted from the past week, I recently found some beautiful photographs of the Courthouse with several feet of snow. These were taken in the 1940s. They are just lovely! Hope you enjoy them as well. Do you think we'll see more snow this winter?

Preservation workshop coming soon...

After the success of last year, we have decided to hold the Preservation Workshops again. The first workshop will be held on February 27 and will focus on photography. The workshop will explore the history and dating of photographs and how to identify the type of photographic process; methods on how to scan and digitally repair or enhance photographic images, and safe ways to store and display your photographic images.

Workshop participants are invited to bring one personal collection item related to the workshop topic for review by the instructor and will receive handouts and a list of preservation resources.

Pre-registration is required, and the workshops are $15.00 per person, $12.00 for members, and includes a boxed lunch. Please call 828-324-7294 for reservations. Reservation deadline is February 25th.

Hyalyn "Meet and Greet"

In preparation of the Catawba County Historical Association’s exhibit on Hyalyn Porcelain, the Hickory History Center is hosting a Hyalyn “Meet and Greet.” Hyalyn employees, interns and individuals interested in Hyalyn, are invited to the event on Saturday, March 6, 10:00am – 3:00pm. Guests are encouraged to bring their own Hyalyn pieces to be identified and photographed for informational use, and past employees and interns are invited to share their memories of this popular company. For more information please contact the Hickory History Center at 828-324-7294.

Valentine's Day during the 1940s

At the Catawba County Museum of History, the archives hold many decades worth of an extensive newspaper collection from the Hickory Daily Record. While recently skimming through some issues from the 1940s, I found a Valentine's Day ad from The Bisanar Company Jewelers in downtown Hickory. It's amazing to think that Bisanar's has been in business in the same building since 1896 in Union Square. 114 years later the company still provides jewelry for your sweetheart, just as it did in this WWII-era advertisement. You could buy an engagement ring for less than $50! Happy Valentine's Day!

Smithsonian blogs about Valentine's Day

The National Postal Museum blog, part of the Smithsonian, posted a really intriguing article about Valentine's Day during the Victorian Era. Read more--I bet some of it will really surprise you! "Love and Derision; Or, Valentine’s Day Victorian Style"