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Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 11am - 4pm

Gaston County Museum of Art & History

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Gaston County Museum of Art & History

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Collect. Preserve. Educate.

10/31/2026

Costumes? Check. Candy? Hopefully. Ghosts? Well… we can't make any promises. 🎃👻

Happy Halloween from the Gaston County Museum!

Our staff may spend their days surrounded by history, but that doesn't mean things are always serious around here. Between memorable costumes, curious characters, and a few stories that go bump in the night, there's never a dull moment at the Museum!

We take preserving the past seriously, but we're always up for a little Halloween mischief. 😉

Wishing everyone a safe, spooky, and treat-filled Halloween! And remember… when you're surrounded by history, you never know who might be watching. 👀🕯️

10/30/2026

Apparently, dressing up is part of the job description… 👻

If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's that the Gaston County Museum staff will take just about any opportunity to get into costume! From special events and celebrations to a little seasonal fun, we've had our fair share of memorable transformations. 👀

Historians? Yes. Storytellers? Absolutely. Occasional costume enthusiasts? Without question.

We take preserving the past seriously, but that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun along the way!

Swipe through some of our favorite staff costume moments from years past. You never know quite who (or what!) you might run into at the Museum.

Happy almost-Halloween from our crew to yours!

10/26/2026

We’re proud to see two familiar faces representing Gastonia’s rich history and community spirit in a recent PBS NC feature!

Museum Board of Trustees members Ms. Ina Biggers and Ms. Pamela Underwood are featured in a Visibly Speaking story highlighting the Highland Neighborhood Association’s new sculptural plaza, which celebrates the neighborhood’s remarkable legacy in art, public service, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.

Beyond the work they do in the broader community, these two generously share their time, knowledge, and passion as members of our Board of Trustees. We’re grateful to have these remarkable women serving the Museum.

Watch the PBS NC feature to learn more about the project and the people bringing this history to life!

10/23/2026

A Last Look Behind the Doors of the Hoffman Hotel!

For years, visitors to the Gaston County Museum have peered into the historic hotel rooms of the 1852 Hoffman Hotel, catching a glimpse of what life might have looked like for travelers in 19th-century Dallas.

But change is coming! 👀

We're reimagining these historic spaces to bring their stories to life in a whole new way. Soon, visitors won't just be looking in from the doorway... they'll be able to step inside and explore the history up close!

📅 November 7 is your last chance to see the rooms as they are today before the transformation begins on November 9.

Come take one last look at these familiar spaces before we turn the page to a new chapter in the Hoffman Hotel's story. We can't wait to welcome you inside!

10/21/2026

What's that ticking noise coming from behind the walls? Oh, it's the clock! 🕰️

There are only TWO weekends left to experience Ghost Tours at the Gaston County Museum this year! If you've been waiting for a sign to come face-to-face with Dallas's haunted history, consider this your warning... 👀

Travel around the square, and step inside the historic Hoffman Hotel to hear these stories that refuse to rest. You'll discover what makes the Dallas Historic Town Square a place full of history, with a few lingering mysteries.

Don't wait until the spirits settle in for winter! Your chance to join us is disappearing fast. 👻🕯️

🎟️ Admission:
🕯️ Museum Members: $5
👻 Non-Members: $15
🦇 Children under 13: FREE

Call the Museum or check our website for remaining tour availability, and reserve your spot before the last tour vanishes!

Tickets: https://bit.ly/4rK35G1

10/21/2026

Please join us in welcoming Lisa Albright-Jurs to the Gaston County Museum Board of Directors!

A lifelong resident of Gaston County, Lisa brings a wealth of experience as an attorney-turned-educator and currently serves as Dean of the Career and Technical Education Division at Gaston College.

With a deep love for her community and a strong commitment to service, Lisa is excited to help champion the Museum and its role in preserving and sharing Gaston County's rich history.

In Lisa's words, “I’m excited to be a cheerleader for this amazing Gaston County Resource!” 💛

We're thrilled to have Lisa's enthusiasm, experience, and community spirit on our Board of Trustees. Help us give her a warm welcome in the comments!

10/16/2026

Every Voice Has a Story. Every Drawing Adds to It. ✏️

One of the most meaningful parts of The Many Unheard Voices exhibit is what happens when visitors become part of the story themselves.

Throughout the exhibit, members of the public have contributed their own drawings and sketches through our interactive drawing experience. Some are simple, some are detailed, and each is a small glimpse into the thoughts, perspectives, and creativity of the person who made it.

Together, these drawings become something more than individual works of art. They remind us that history, storytelling, and the human experience aren't shaped by just one voice. They're built from countless perspectives, many of which might otherwise go unseen or unheard.

Thank you to everyone who has picked up a pencil and shared a piece of their perspective with us. You've helped make this exhibit a living conversation, and we're grateful to have your voices as part of it. 💛

Have you experienced The Many Unheard Voices? We'd love for you to visit and add your own mark to the story. Learn more: https://gastoncountymuseum.org/more-voices-heard/

10/15/2026

For nine years, the Mount Holly Lantern Parade has brought our community together in a glowing celebration of creativity, imagination, and local artistry, and the Gaston County Museum has been proud to participate in the magic for most of them!

Over the years, the Museum has sponsored lantern-making materials for local schoolchildren, hosted workshops, and taken to the streets with lantern creations of our own. Some of those creations even left a lasting mark on the community, as one of our lanterns helped inspire a certain figure in a Mount Holly mural. How cool is that?

A look back at two of our favorite creations:
🐌 Come Snail Away
🦊 Revontulet - inspired by the Finnish legend of the fire fox!

While our schedule won't allow us to compete in this year's parade, we're still proud to sponsor this wonderful community tradition. We can't wait to see the creativity lighting up the streets this year, and we're already curious about next year's theme!

What's your favorite memory of the Mount Holly Lantern Parade? Tell us in the comments!

Address

131 W Main Street
Dallas, NC
28034

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	11am - 4pm

Website

http://www.gastoncountymuseum.org/

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