Graham Historical Museum

10/09/2026

We are grateful for the dedication of our Graham Historical Museum Advisory Board members and the many ways they help preserve our community’s history. Recently, one of our Advisory Board members shared their bookbinding skills to carefully preserve and protect this historic book from the museum’s library.

This 1790 Heads of Families: First Census of the United States, State of North Carolina, is an important piece of our local and state history, and thanks to their time and expertise, it can continue to be cared for and enjoyed for years to come.

We appreciate the volunteers who share their time, talents, and knowledge to help preserve the Graham Historical Museum’s collection!

The Graham Historical Museum, located at 135 West Elm Street, is open every Saturday from 10:00am - 3:00pm. For more information or to sign up for emails about museum happenings, visit https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/.

10/07/2026

Get Involved with Graham Recreation & Parks! Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteer with the City of Graham Recreation & Parks! We’re looking for volunteers to help support programs, events, and opportunities throughout our community.

Current Volunteer Opportunities:
• 7 Nights of Fright in Graham – October 25–31, 2026 • Help bring this week of spooky fun to life! Volunteer opportunities may include assisting with activities, events, and other event needs throughout the week.
• Hikes with Hounds – Ages 18 & up
• Coach Youth Athletics – Ages 15 & up (Volunteers ages 15–17 will be partnered with an adult coach.)
• Friends of the Graham Historical Museum – Ages 15 & up (Volunteers ages 15–17 will be partnered with a museum docent.)
• Serve on a City of Graham, NC Board or Commission – Help support and shape your community by serving on a City board or commission.

📋 Ready to get involved? Learn more about each opportunity & sign up: https://www.cityofgraham.com/grpd-get-involved/

📞 Questions about volunteering for 7 Nights of Fright in Graham? Contact Michelle Shaffer, Recreation Program Manager, at (336) 513-5510.

09/25/2026

Make the Graham Historical Museum part of your fall stroll through Downtown Graham this weekend!

Step inside and take a journey through Graham’s history. The museum’s exhibits and photographs offer a glimpse into life in Graham from its earliest days through the mid-20th century, while bringing back memories and stories of the people who grew up here.

The first floor of this iconic two-story building features the main museum exhibits. Upstairs, the museum library shares space with the Graham Sports Hall of Fame.

The Graham Historical Museum, located at 135 West Elm Street, is open every Saturday from 10:00am - 3:00pm. For more information or to sign up for emails about museum happenings, please visit https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/.

09/18/2026

Fall officially arrives next week, bringing cooler temperatures and the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore Downtown Graham!

Make a weekend adventure out of a visit to the Graham Historical Museum and bring the kids along for a fun downtown scavenger hunt. Search for miniature bronze replicas of “Arty the Mouse” while discovering interesting pieces of Graham’s local history along the way.

Pick up your scavenger hunt map at Alamance Arts (the big yellow house) or the Graham Historical Museum during operating hours. The Graham Historical Museum (135 West Elm Street) is open Saturdays from 10:00am - 3:00pm.

“Let’s Find Arty the Mouse!” is available year-round, making it a fun activity for families any time of year.

Learn more about the museum or subscribe to museum update emails at: https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/

09/04/2026

Graham Historical Museum: OPEN Saturday, 10:00am–3:00pm

Have a safe and happy Labor Day from Graham Recreation & Parks! Enjoy the long weekend by getting outdoors and recreating, or simply relaxing under the shade trees at a local park or by the lake.

Labor Day Weekend Operational Hours & Events:

• Graham-Mebane Lake: OPEN 7:00am–6:30pm
The lake is closed on Tuesdays during September.
Plan your visit: https://www.cityofgraham.com/lake/

• Graham Parks: OPEN 6:00am–10:00pm
Plan your visit: https://www.cityofgraham.com/parks-facilities/

• Graham Historical Museum: OPEN Saturday, 10:00am–3:00pm

• Movies in the Park - Monsters, Inc.: Saturday, September 5, begins around 7:30pm, pending sunset time

• City of Graham, NC Offices & Graham Recreation Center: CLOSED Monday, September 7 - Afterschool / Rec Play Days will also be closed

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

09/04/2026

The Graham Historical Museum is a wonderful destination for groups looking to explore Graham’s history. Located in historic downtown Graham, the museum features fascinating exhibits, photographs, and artifacts that tell the community's story from its early days through the mid-20th century. Tours are self-guided, with a museum docent on hand to provide additional insight, share interesting details about the exhibits, and answer questions. Group tours are free!

Located at 135 West Elm Street, the Graham Historical Museum is open every Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. For more information or to sign up for email updates about museum events and happenings, visit cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/.

Image: Carrboro Recreation, Parks, & Cultural Resources' Senior Group visiting the Graham Historical Museum for a group tour.

08/28/2026

The Thursdays at Seven Concert Series was established in 2003, bringing a variety of music, from beach music and country to Top 40 favorites, to downtown Graham through performances by talented local and regional bands. Over the years, the series has grown alongside its audience and expanded to include the Musical Chairs Concert Series at Bill Cooke Park.

Live music is more than entertainment; it brings people together, strengthens community connections, supports local and regional musicians, and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to share memorable experiences in Graham’s public spaces. Community concerts also contribute to a vibrant downtown, encourage visitors to explore local businesses, and foster a strong sense of community.

Explore Graham’s history at the Graham Historical Museum, located at 135 West Elm Street. The museum is open Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm. For more information or to receive museum updates, visit https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/.

Stay tuned for details on upcoming music events in Graham, including the Thursdays at Seven Concert Series, Musical Chairs Concert Series, and the 2027 Arts Around the Square event. Learn more at www.GrahamRecreationandParks.com.

Images: One of the first Thursdays at Seven concerts, held in 2003.

08/12/2026

📋 We're looking for residents ready to serve!

🧱 The Graham Historical Museum Advisory Board and 🏠 the Graham Housing Authority each have 1 vacancy.

💙 City of Graham residents are eligible to apply for both positions.

🔗 Apply by August 25 at www.cityofgraham.com/volunteer

08/06/2026

07/31/2026

Mystery Solved! In February 2026, we shared a historic photograph from the Graham Historical Museum's collection in hopes of learning more about its history. Thanks to additional research, we've identified the photo and wanted to share what we discovered.

This photograph is not from Graham, but instead depicts two child workers ("helpers") at the Tifton Cotton Mill in Tifton, Georgia. The image was taken in January 1909 by renowned photographer Lewis Wickes Hine (1874–1940) as part of his documentation of child labor in the United States. Hine's photographs helped raise awareness of child labor conditions and contributed to important labor reforms.

Photo Details:
Location: Tifton Cotton Mill, Tifton, Georgia
Photographer: Lewis Wickes Hine
Date: January 1909
Source: Library of Congress (https://www.loc.gov/item/2018675023/)

While this photograph isn't connected to Graham's history, it remains part of the museum's collection and serves as an interesting reminder of the stories that can be uncovered through research.

The Graham Historical Museum features unique and engaging exhibits that help tell the story of Graham's past. Explore local history by visiting us at 135 West Elm Street. The museum is open Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

For more information and museum updates, visit: https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/