Rowan County Museum Launches Engaging History Series for All

The Rowan County Museum, in collaboration with the Historic Salisbury Foundation, has launched a nine-part history series titled “Our Place in History.” The program began on January 22, 2024, and will run until March 26, with classes scheduled every Monday from 19:00 to 20:30.

Classes take place at the museum, located at 202 N. Main St., Salisbury, with the exception of the February 26 session, which will be held at Soldiers AME Zion Church, 1306 N. Church St. According to Aaron Kepley, executive director of the museum, the classes have been unaffected by weather conditions and are proceeding as planned. The next class, focused on the American Revolution, is set for February 12. Kepley emphasized that new participants can still join, stating, “We haven’t even made it out of the 1700s yet.”

Registration for the series is facilitated through the Historic Salisbury Foundation. Interested individuals can visit the foundation’s website to view the class schedule. While pre-registration and payment are encouraged, attendees may also bring a check to the first meeting.

The February 12 class will feature Kepley as the instructor. He noted that although the sessions are structured primarily as lectures, audience interaction is welcomed. “We try not to make it like a schoolroom class. We keep it fun and light, with jokes and engaging discussions,” he added. The course aims to address significant historical topics relevant to Rowan County, including the impact of slavery.

“Our Place in History” is an established program that has been offered annually since approximately 2000. Kepley reported that attendance has been strong, with many participants being first-time attendees. The course even offers discounts for new residents of Rowan County.

Participants in the class often express a desire to deepen their understanding of the community’s historical significance. Many are surprised to learn just how pivotal Rowan County has been to both North Carolina’s and the United States’ history. Kepley remarked, “They know that Rowan County is historical, but they don’t know how important it is.”

In addition to the classroom sessions, the series includes field trips at no extra cost. A walking tour of Gold Hill is scheduled for February 21 at 13:00, starting from the E.H. Montgomery General Store at 770 St. Stephens Church Road. The second field trip will occur on February 28 at 13:00, featuring a private guided tour of the General John Steele House, located at 1010 Richard St., Salisbury.

The series will also host various guest speakers, including Dr. Gary Freeze, a retired professor from Catawba College and author, alongside local author Pete Prunkl and educator Kyle Whisenant. Mark Wineka, co-author of “A Drive Across Town,” which documents preservation efforts for historic homes, will contribute as well.

Kepley likened the experience of the class to “drinking from a firehose,” as it delivers a wealth of information that is not typically documented. “Without taking this course, you can’t necessarily learn all of this stuff because there’s no true Rowan County history book,” he explained.

As the series continues, it promises to offer a rich exploration of local history, attracting a diverse audience eager to learn more about their community’s past.