Matthews Heritage Museum
Housed in the 1879 Massey-Clark House, one of the oldest buildings in downtown Matthews, the Matthews Heritage Museum is a step back in time. In the Early Commerce Gallery learn about King Cotton and the early days of the railroad. Imagine cashing a check at the Bank of Matthews, and see part of the original bank interior on display. Listen to telephone switchboard stories while looking at an old crank phone and switchboard.
Children and adults will enjoy exploring the Lifestyles Gallery, imagining a time before electricity and running water. Schools were a vital part of the community. Porches were the center of living, particularly in the summer in an effort to stay cool. Learn what was different in the kitchen at the turn of the century.
Our Community Gallery allows you to discover the many activities that happened at the local drug store. You can also investigate the early set up of the doctor’s office or hear wonderful stories about the local pool. A display of Outen Pottery, hand-thrown pots made from local clay, is of great interest.
Snippets from the Matthews Remembered and Outen Pottery DVD play for the audience in the Lifestyles and Community Galleries. The hallway panels give visitors insight to early Matthews.
Tour groups are welcomed by our knowledgeable docents. Please call 704-708-4996 to make tour arrangements.
Meet the Director
Hello everyone! My name is Camilla and I am the new museum director. I took over from Barbara at the end of 2022 and so far it has been an absolute joy. I grew up in Matthews and I am so delighted to be working in my hometown. History has been a long-time passion of mine and I am very excited to share that passion with the community. I have a BA in History from Mars Hill University and an MLIS from UNC Greensboro. During my time at Mars Hill, I interned at the Thomas Wolfe House in Asheville, and during graduate school, I volunteered at the Levine-Sklut Judaic Library at the Jewish Community Center of Charlotte. My hobbies include cross-stitching, reading, listening to podcasts, trying out new recipes, shopping, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.
Matthews Historical Foundation
The Matthews Historical Foundation celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2022. Comprised of dedicated volunteers, it was founded in 1987 by a group of local citizens. Since its beginning, the Historical Foundation has been interested in preserving the history of Matthews. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, the Matthews Historical Foundation has been caretakers of the Reid House, located at 134 West John Street, since 1987.
The Matthews Historical Foundation also owns and operates the Heritage Museum. After months of restoration work, the Matthews Historical Foundation reached its goal in 2010 of renovating and restoring one of the earliest homes in historic downtown Matthews, returning it to a useful part of the community. The renovated Massey-Clark House is home to the Matthews Heritage Museum. The Museum explores 150 years of Matthews town history.
www.matthewshistoricalfoundation.org
Local Artifacts Wanted — Donations Accepted
To donate items, contact the Matthews Heritage Museum at 704-708-4996 or email info@matthewsheritagemuseum.org.
Matthews Heritage Museum 