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Local preservation advocates urge Harnett County to build heritage tourism program, propose commission and museum
Summary
A county historical-society representative told commissioners the county could increase visitor spending by developing its historical assets and asked staff to return with steps to form a formal historical or cultural commission.
A representative of the Harnett County Historical Society urged county leaders Aug. 26 to invest in a coordinated historic and cultural tourism program, arguing the county could increase local visitor spending by promoting assets such as Shaw’s Halfway House and Tar Heel Village.
"Harnett County will be making a serious mistake if we overlook the impressive economic possibilities offered by this ever growing segment of tourism," said Syan Harrington, who identified himself as a preservation advocate from Erwin and spoke on behalf of the Harnett County Historical Society.
Harrington cited statewide tourism statistics and county-level estimates to make the financial case: he said statewide visitor spending supports jobs and that Harnett County’s identifiable visitor spending grew from $104 million in 2021 to roughly $124 million in 2023. He proposed creating a Harnett County Historical and Cultural Arts Commission and establishing a county history museum as initial steps to capture more tourism dollars and preserve local heritage.
Harrington highlighted two existing sites: Shaw’s Halfway House, a late 18th‑century stage stop near Coats and Erwin that supporters believe could serve as a local history museum; and Tar Heel Village, a privately assembled collection of restored 18th‑ and 19th‑century structures near Seminole that the presenter said could host living-history events and tours.
County commissioners responded positively and asked staff to return with a formal agenda item. County staff agreed to bring the matter back to the board’s work session on Sept. 9 with options for either a formal commission or an ad hoc committee, draft bylaws, and a recommended next step for museum development and grant-seeking.
The county did not commit county funding at the Aug. 26 meeting; commissioners emphasized that future financial commitments would require study and prioritized planning. No formal vote was taken; staff were asked to research options and present a path forward at the Sept. 9 work session.
