Matthews Historical Foundation reports rising museum attendance, new artifacts and program expansion

Bob Aycock, vice president of the Matthews Historical Foundation and director of the Matthews Heritage Museum, told the Board of Commissioners on May 27 the museum's attendance has increased 43% year-to-date compared with the previous year and monthly visits average more than 200.

Aycock described recent acquisitions and projects: a historic Piedmont Wagon Company hickory wagon donated and moved into the Reid House carriage house with volunteer assistance; new board members; and a William Pomeroy Foundation-funded historic marker for the Matthews Depot that staff expect to install soon after coordination with Public Works. Aycock said the museum expects to announce a formal unveiling once the marker is installed.

The museum has added programming and expanded outreach to schools, daycare groups, and seniors; new walking and driving tours have proven popular, and the museum is participating in an inter-museum "Miles for Museums" passport program. Aycock said volunteers and new docents are growing the museum's capacity and that the museum may expand open days to meet demand.

Volunteer Michael Meath and museum docent staff noted the museum's family-focused, living-history approach and recent finds for cemetery tours (an older grave dated to October 1862) as examples of active archival work that continues to attract visitors. Staff also referenced a veterans exhibit and newly catalogued World War I and World War II items on display.

Ending: The foundation thanked the town for ongoing support and said it will return to the board with any requests for assistance if the museum pursues expanded hours or program funding.