Alamance County Historical Museum

Alamance County Historical Museum is "A Museum of Victorian American Life," originally built in 1790 by Michael Holt III. It was then enlarged in 1800 and 1875. Pulling onto a gravel road and flanked by large trees, the house is on a located on part of a 1,600 acre grain plantation. The land was originally called "Oak Grove" as well, a name no doubt that would suit it well today. The land seems almost as if it has been frozen in time along with the house itself, creating a beautiful, if somewhat haunting atmosphere.

The first floor has three period rooms; the parlor, music room, and dining room. Each room is complete with mid 19^th century furnishings, giving the visitor the feeling of having stepped back in time. The second floor has one period bedroom, as well as other rooms used solely for permanent artifact collections at this time. The artifacts include clothing items from 1850. There is also a walnut blanket chest dating back to 1820, among many other items available for viewing. The property also has a restored granary, a corn crib, and carriage house. There is also a reconstructed 19^th century summer kitchen and garden out behind the house. The Holt family cemetery is also located on the property, with graves dating back from the 1700s. The museum is listed in the National Register of Historic places, and is the birthplace of Edwin Michael Holt, a pioneer in the southern textile industry. After a successful marriage and running of a plantation, Holt helped create the Alamance Cotton Factory in 1839. The Alamance Cotton Factory is famous for creating the Alamance Plaids, the first cotton goods produced in the south on power looms. With success running in the family, his son Thomas Michael Holt worked with his father at the factory, before becoming a North Carolina senator and helping in the founding of North Carolina State University. 

Hours:

Tour Information:

Due to the popularity of the location, the museum is available for wedding receptions, luncheons, and other private functions. It's recommended to always call ahead and make sure the tours are running on that day. Advance reservations are required for groups of 10 and up. The tours are free of charge and last 45 minutes. If any visitors are interested in taking pictures on the grounds, please contact the museum for fees and reservations. 

The museum also has events, such as the event coming up on November 15^th, "Thomas Day: Man in the Middle" luncheon and lecture. There is also an annual Christmas Tea event on December 1^st and 2^nd, as well as an American Girl Doll Tea on February 10^th.

Fee Schedule

If planning a luncheon or any other type of event, the museum's grounds provide a beautiful scenic backdrop for whatever the occasion is.

Members are given 20% off for all fees regarding any events. To become a member, go to the website and print out the form located under the "Membership" tab. After filling it out, make the check payable to the Alamance County Historical Museum. The membership is only available for a year at a time and needs to be renewed at the beginning of each year. 

References:

http://www.alamancemuseum.org/

http://www.textilehistory.org/HoltsofAlamanceCountyNC.html

http://www.welcometonc.com/detail/108.cfm