Page 8 - Harnett Life Summer 2018

Mark Johnson (left)
and Bob Carr pose
with Office Manager,
Christy Moore, in front
of historical museum
photographs.

wore a custom-made, black and white, dress that was do- well as antique tools, farm equipment, railroad artifacts,
nated by the mayor’s family to the museum. toys and music memorabilia from guitarist, Link Wray.
Exhibits also include American Indian history and Pow
Carr said he got the idea for the museum after discovering Wow regalia.
hundreds of old photographs from the 1900’s, as well as
other items from his brother’s estate after he died. He be- Three paintings by local artist, Joanna McKethan, and
gan looking for a home for them, and after previous plans personal family letters, are on long-term loan to the mu-
to display them fell through, he made up his mind to start a seum, she said. McKethan is the owner of Art on Broad
museum in Dunn, and Johnson agreed to help. Atelier/J’Originals’ Art Studio, in Dunn. One of the letters
entitled, Where Home Used to Be, details the impressions
Temporary quarters were set up on North Ellis Avenue. of 18-year old Janie Smith during the Civil War. It was
Over a period of three to four years, they worked tireless- written from the Lebanon Plantation, after the battle of
ly meeting with the public, forming a board of directors, Aversboro, in 1865. McKethan is a direct descendant of
fund-raising, promoting their project, doing research, and Janie Smith, she said.
collecting and logging artifacts to display, while securing a
permanent home for it. “The museum is still in need of artifacts and photographs
that are at least 50 years old,” Johnson said. Monetary and
“The two-story brick building that houses the museum is other donations are welcome and accepted. Admission to
listed on the National Historic Register and is over 100 the 501c3 non-profit museum is free.
years old,” Carr said. “It was formerly the Prince Depart-
ment Store.” “Our goal is to get the museum in a position to be self-sup-
porting. A lot of prayer and patience has gone into the
When asked what discovery surprised or moved him the founding of this history museum and a lot of people have
most during the museum’s development, Johnson said, helped to accomplish it. It is a labor of love and we are
“The overwhelming generosity of people in the community grateful for the help from the citizens of Dunn,” said Carr.
who gave or loaned artifacts to the museum.” They are still For more information visit the Dunn Area History Mu-
coming in. At last count, 1008 local artifacts had been col- seum at 201 East Broad St., visit Facebook, or contact,
lected for display. 910-891-1772.

There are a variety of antique weapons and war artifacts, as
Page 7 Harnett Life~Summer 2018