Welcome to the History Museum of Burke County! We are now open for guests to tour the museum, which holds over 23,000 artifacts in 10,000 square foot of exhibit space!

Admission to The History Museum of Burke County is free.

With numerous collections, The History Museum of Burke County is a great place for the whole family to explore Burke County’s past.

Military Plane Model Exhibit

The Music Room

Museum Store

Granny's Kitchen

Education Exhibit

1950s Rader Living Room

The History Museum of Burke County

Established in 2003, The History Museum of Burke County began to gather and display artifacts of our heritage for future generations. This story spans thousands of years from the time Native Americans lived and hunted in this region. In 1567 Spanish soldiers under Captain Juan Pardo constructed Fort San Juan near present day Morganton. In the early 1700s traders, missionaries and settlers arrived. Burke County was established June 1, 1777. The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed a gold rush and the rise of timber, textile and furniture industries and an influx of state institutions.

The museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying our heritage for both current and future generations. Special exhibits and events are scheduled during the year and published in a quarterly newsletter and area media. Artifact collections change regularly – so please visit often.

Mission & Goals