Graham 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 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/

07/16/2026

Help Preserve Graham's Story. Make a Difference.

The City of Graham, NC is seeking volunteers to serve on the Graham Historical Museum Advisory Board. If you have a passion for local history and want to help preserve our community's heritage for future generations, this is a meaningful way to get involved.

The Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council, helping to ensure the responsible stewardship of the Museum's collections. Board members also support museum operations by helping develop programs and special events, serving as volunteer docents during museum hours, and reviewing artifacts for acquisition into the Museum's permanent collection.

The Graham Historical Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, displaying, and interpreting the records, relics, and artifacts that tell the story of the City of Graham.

If you're looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity that leaves a lasting impact on our community, we'd love to hear from you. Apply by July 24: https://www.cityofgraham.com/volunteer/

💙The Graham Historical Museum Advisory Board and the Graham Housing Authority each have 1 vacancy. Graham residents have 10 days left to apply!

🧱The Graham Historical Museum Advisory Board preserves and displays artifacts, serves as docents and tour guides and helps develop programs and community events.

🏠 The Graham Housing Authority oversees the Housing Authority's mission of providing safe, quality housing for low-income families, elderly residents and persons with disabilities in Graham.

Are you ready to serve? 🔗 Apply by July 24 at cityofgraham.com/volunteer

07/10/2026

The Graham Historical Museum proudly preserves and shares the unique artifacts and stories that reflect our community’s rich history. These collections are made possible through the generosity, support, and collaboration of our community.

You can now explore the museum’s collections online at https://grahamhistoricalmuseum.omeka.net/. The digital archives have been thoughtfully developed through extensive research, personal interviews, generous donations, and meaningful conversations with Graham residents. Be sure to explore the museum’s newest addition, the Children's Chapel U.C.C. Archival Collection.

Visit the Graham Historical Museum at 135 West Elm Street, open Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm. To learn more, explore the collections, or subscribe to museum updates, visit https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/.

07/03/2026

Happy Independence Day from the Graham Historical Museum Advisory Board! In observance of Independence Day, the museum will be CLOSED on July 4.

Come visit us at 135 West Elm Street. The Graham Historical Museum is open Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

To learn more or sign up for museum update emails, visit:
https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/

06/26/2026

Looking for a fun weekend adventure this summer? Bring the kids to Downtown Graham and take part in the “Let’s Find Arty the Mouse!” scavenger hunt!

Search for miniature bronze replicas of Arty the Mouse hidden throughout downtown while discovering interesting pieces of Graham’s history along the way. Pick up a scavenger hunt map at Alamance Arts (the Big Yellow House) or the Graham Historical Museum and start exploring. The scavenger hunt is available year-round for families and visitors to enjoy.

The Graham Historical Museum, located at 135 West Elm Street, is open every Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

Learn more at: https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/