Avery County Historical Museum
There’s much to see and do in Avery County, North Carolina. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about our corner of the world. We hope you enjoy our site and will tell your friends about us.
The purpose of the Avery County Historical Museum is to collect, preserve and display information, photographs, audio, video and other artifacts about people, events, and places that make up the history of Avery County, North Carolina, and the surrounding Toe River Valley area. Our intent is to provide information to those seeking to learn more about our rich history or their own local ancestral roots.
The Avery County Historical Museum is housed in the historic Avery County Jail, built in 1912 and set aside as a museum by the County Commissioners of Avery County in 1976. The jail was added to the National Register of Historic Places (#99001494) on December 9, 1999.
You are invited to visit the Museum not only to view the historical items on display but also to explore the research room. There are hundreds of books and papers to aid in the research of family genealogies, places, and subjects in Avery County and surrounding counties.
The Avery County Historical Museum, Linville Depot, and ET&WNC Caboose 505 are staffed by volunteers, starting with the Board of Directors who make policy, raise money and see that the attractions are staffed and open for all to enjoy. We depend on an annual membership drive to help with the operation of our attractions. Annual membership is:
Better yet, see us in person!
We love having visitors, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Avery County Museum
1829 Schultz Circle
Newland, NC 28657
828-733-7111
MAILING ADDRESS
Avery County Museum
PO Box 266
Newland, NC 28657
Explore
Discover the wonders of Linville Gorge or take a tour of the Civil War Trail. You could also go on a picturesque drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is America’s most beloved scenic drive. Make sure to visit the world-renowned Grandfather Mountain where you can walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you’ll be able to see all the way to Charlotte!
Genealogy
The earliest inhabitants of Avery County were the Cherokee Indians, followed by German, Scotch-Irish, and English settlers. Newland, the county seat, was incorporated in 1913 and named for William Calhoun Newland, the lieutenant governor of North Carolina from 1909 to 1913.