A fierce desire for independence led rugged 18th-century immigrants from the port of Philadelphia down the Great Wagon Road and into “The Hollows” of North Carolina. This beautiful valley is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and became a settling place for pioneers. The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History in Mount Airy, NC, tells their story.
The Hollows was first surveyed by Joshua Frye and Peter Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson’s father), who mapped the land in 1749. This unique land formation can be seen from the top of the museum’s bell tower and in a 360-degree panoramic photograph on display in the museum’s main gallery.
The museum collection comprises a wide variety of artifacts and photos that depict the history of the Hollows, beginning with the area’s natural history, the story of its famous granite quarry (the largest open surface quarry in the world), and the lives of the Saura Indians of the 1600s.
Among the museum’s other permanent exhibits are those that show life in a typical pioneer village, including a cutaway of a log cabin and a general store. Photo exhibits illustrate the rise of small communities established by pioneer families, many of whose descendants still live there. Other exhibits include a medical display, an “Agriculture-to-Industry” exhibit, music heritage, Tommy Jarrell, WPAQ radio, Ralph Epperson, and Rosenwald Schools. The museum is also the official home of the Donna Fargo Collection.
The basement of the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History is devoted to the history of the Mount Airy Fire Department and contains many firefighting equipment artifacts. An upper floor features numerous Victorian-era artifacts from the Woodroffe family, founders of the local granite quarry.
There is also a dedicated space for changing exhibits and a “Hands-on History” gallery for kids.
Hours of Operation
Summer Hours (Memorial Day – October)
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Winter Hours (November – Memorial Day)
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday – Monday: Closed
Admission Fees
Adults and children over 2 years old:
$10
Groups of 10 or more:
$9
Children under 2 years old: Free
*Tax not included.
Hours of operation and fees are subject to change. Contact directly for the most current information.
Location
The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History is located in a restored mercantile store in downtown Mount Airy, NC.
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
301 North Main Street
Mount Airy, NC 27030
(336) 786-4478
