Dunn Area History Museum

08/30/2026

A special thank you to Superjock J.J. - Jay Kinlaw & 94.9 The Surf for mentioning the Dunn Area History Museum during the Surf Countdown Saturday morning. We also appreciate Jay sharing some of Harry Driver’s history with listeners.
Harry Driver of Dunn, NC was recognized by the North Carolina General Assembly as the “Father of Shag” when sh****ng was adopted as North Carolina’s official popular dance.
Driver was also the mentor & manager behind the Men of Distinction, formed in Dunn in 1969. The group brought together musicians from Gene Barbour and the Cavaliers, & the Tymes.

Photo courtesy of BEACH MUSIC CAFE.

08/29/2026

The 1918–19 Dunn City Directory listed State Bank & Trust Company at 110 East Broad Street. By 1926, the address was home to Quality Ice Cream & Candy Co. Dunn Furniture Company operated there during the 1960s, followed by Suggs Real Estate & The Gigglin’ Pig.

Today, 110 East Broad Street is home to the Dunn School of Music

08/28/2026

A look back at the Dunn High School 1972 Echo yearbook

08/27/2026

School bus drivers in the 1972 Dunn High School Echo yearbook

08/26/2026

For generations, Dolly Parton was simply part of American life.

Nearly 48 years ago, the November 30, 1978, Harnett Co. News reported that a Dolly Parton impersonator was among the winners of a Gong Show at Cape Fear Christian Academy . Other winning impersonators included KISS, Elvis Presley, and the Beach Boys.
It is a glimpse of the place Dolly already held in popular culture in 1978, with decades of her remarkable career still ahead.

The Dunn Area History Museum remembers Dolly Parton with gratitude for a lifetime of music, humor, wisdom, and generosity.

08/26/2026

Shared from The Vintage Baton Twirler:
"We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dolly Parton today. Everyone knows of her musical talents and philanthropy. However, less people know that she was a percussionist and majorette in her Sevier County High School Band in Sevierville, Tennessee. Fewer know that she quietly funded numerous band programs over the years purchasing uniforms and instruments for not only her alma mater, but underfunded programs in lower socioeconomic schools. This was done anonymously for many years until it was discovered and reported on in 2022. While certainly an amazing musician, she is beloved because she was an even better person."
(Asheville City Schools Bands, August 25, 2026)

Dolly Parton, c. 1961

According to the Asheville City School Bands, Asheville, North Carolina, Dolly Parton was a percussionist and majorette. Here is their statement:

"We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dolly Parton today. Everyone knows of her musical talents and philanthropy. However, less people know that she was a percussionist and majorette in her Sevier County High School Band in Sevierville, Tennessee. Fewer know that she quietly funded numerous band programs over the years purchasing uniforms and instruments for not only her alma mater, but underfunded programs in lower socioeconomic schools. This was done anonymously for many years until it was discovered and reported on in 2022. While certainly an amazing musician, she is beloved because she was an even better person."

(Asheville City School Bands August 25, 2026)

The first photo is an excellent restoration of the original, which you can swipe to see. It was restored by Joseph Shonebarger, a disabled veteran who works as a digital creator. I put a black and white filter on it.

08/24/2026

I'd love to go back and visit one of the old country stores like this one. Hams hanging from the ceiling, fishing poles, crickets. ice cold cokes, gas below a dollar, and 10 pound watermelons, you name it
Like these old memory tickling photos? Visit the Dunn Area History Museum, 201 East Broad Street in Dunn N.C. Tues - Saturday 10:30 - 4:30. No charge!

08/23/2026

Thank you to Today in the Quay by Jason Wunsch for covering this story, and a special thank you to Bryan Avery & his family for helping arrange the loan of this special family artifact to the Dunn Area History Museum. We’re looking forward to sharing more details soon!

08/23/2026

A little Downtown Dunn, NC history to go with tonight’s music! 🎶 The building at 311 E. Broad Street dates to around 1925 and is part of the Dunn Commercial Historic District. J.C. Morgan Meat Market was here in 1926.

Some of the building’s original decorative brickwork can still be seen today. Now, 311 E. Broad is home to our neighbors at Bird's Nest Listening Room.

Max & Heather Stalling take the stage tonight at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m.

& come to Bird's Nest this evening!
Doors at 5pm / Music at 6pm

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/max-heather-stalling-at-birds-nest-listening-room-tickets-1992794906209?aff=oddtdtcreator