Graham Historical Museum

06/12/2026

Discover the stories, people, and milestones that helped shape our community at the Graham Historical Museum, located at 135 W. Elm Street in downtown Graham. The museum features hundreds of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that highlight Graham’s rich heritage and local history.

The museum is open every Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and group tours are available by appointment. Individuals interested in loaning or donating historical items are encouraged to contact the museum.

For more information, to schedule a group tour, or to subscribe to museum updates, call (336) 513-5510 or visit www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/.

06/05/2026

These warmer days have us craving something cold and refreshing, and reminiscing about one of Graham’s early soft drink bottling companies: Christo Cola Bottling Works!

Have you ever come across one of these unique Christo Cola bottles while cleaning out an attic, garage, or family collection? These distinctive bottles were produced right here in Graham at the Christo Cola Bottling Works, a local soft drink manufacturing plant that once operated in downtown Graham.

Founded in 1915 by W. Earnest Thompson, the plant was located at 131 West Elm Street, next door to what is now the Graham Historical Museum. Today, the building is home to Roasted Coffee Depot. Although Christo Cola Bottling Works operated for only a short time before being purchased by the Chero-Cola Bottling Company in 1916, its bottles remain a fascinating piece of local history.

The embossed bottles featured cheerful advertising phrases such as “Good for You,” “Sparkling,” “Delightful,” “5 Cents,” and “Graham, NC” - a refreshing glimpse into early 20th-century marketing.

Interested in discovering more stories from Graham’s past? Visit the Graham Historical Museum, located at 135 West Elm Street. The museum is open every Saturday from 10:00am–3:00pm. Admission is free, and group tours are available upon request.

05/29/2026

Have you recently visited the Graham Historical Museum? We’d love to hear your feedback! Please take a few moments to complete the Graham Historical Museum Survey. Your input helps the Advisory Board enhance and expand the museum’s exhibits and programs for the community.

The survey is available online at https://forms.gle/tazzA5mGPCBBjT8k9 or in a paper version at the museum.

The Graham Historical Museum (135 West Elm Street) is open every Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. For more information, visit: https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/

05/22/2026

This Memorial Day, the Graham Historical Museum proudly honors the bravery, service, and sacrifice of the men and women who have served our country.

The Graham Historical Museum, located at 135 West Elm Street in downtown Graham, is open Saturdays from 10:00am–3:00pm. Please note that the museum will be closed on Saturday, May 23, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

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

05/19/2026

Take a step back in time at the Graham Historical Museum, where exhibits and historic artifacts help share the story of Graham’s history. The museum’s collection includes many historic photographs, some with little or no identifying information, and we’d love your help uncovering their stories.

If you recognize this image, the individuals pictured, or can provide any additional details, please leave a comment, send us a message, call (336) 513-5510, or stop by during operating hours.

Visit the Graham Historical Museum at 135 West Elm Street in Downtown Graham. The museum is open Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

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

05/15/2026

The beloved Arts Around the Square returns to Downtown Graham on Saturday, May 16, from 10:00am-4:00pm.

First held in 1978, this once-cherished spring tradition ran for 25 consecutive years and remains a meaningful part of Graham’s arts history. The community is invited to help preserve that legacy by sharing photographs, stories, or memorabilia connected to the event with the Graham Historical Museum.

If you're interested in contributing items, sharing information, or participating in an audio or video interview, please feel free to call (336) 513-5510 for details. Photographs may also be emailed or brought in for scanning (visit the museum website for submission guidelines).

The museum will be open during Arts Around the Square from 10:00am–3:00pm and is also open every Saturday from 10:00am–3:00pm. Learn more or sign up for museum updates here: https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/

05/12/2026

Did you attend the original Arts Around the Square events? As this beloved event returns to Downtown Graham on May 16, the Graham Historical Museum is collecting photos, stories, and memorabilia to help preserve and share the event’s rich history.

First launched in 1978, Arts Around the Square was a cherished spring tradition for 25 consecutive years. Community members are invited to help keep those memories alive by sharing photographs, information, or items connected to the event.

Interested in participating in an audio or video interview, or donating or loaning items to the museum? Call (336) 513-5510 for more information. Photos may also be emailed or brought to the museum to be scanned (see website for details). Please include photo credit information and the names of individuals pictured, if available.

The museum is open Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and group tours are welcome. Learn more or subscribe to museum updates at: https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/

Image Credit (photos in graphic): Alamance News

04/24/2026

The Graham Historical Museum offers engaging exhibits that bring the story of Graham’s past to life. The collection includes many historic photographs, some with little or no identifying information. If you recognize any of these images, the individuals pictured, or can provide additional details, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to leave a comment, send a message, call (336) 513-5510, or stop by during operating hours.

Discover more at the Graham Historical Museum, located at 135 West Elm Street. The museum is open Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Learn more and stay updated at: https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/

04/06/2026

04/03/2026

“Over the years, Graham has been home to countless street festivals. In this 1950s photo, square dancers are shown enjoying themselves on North Main Street.” - Source: Images of America: Graham by Amy Edwards Barr and Jerry Peterman (Image courtesy of Bartialette Thompson)

Discover more of Graham’s history at the Graham Historical Museum. The museum is open Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm. For details and updates, visit https://www.cityofgraham.com/historical-museum/.

Stay connected with Graham Recreation & Parks on social media for upcoming spring and summer events in downtown Graham, including Arts Around the Square (04/16), the Thursdays at Seven Concert Series (May - August), and Slice of Summer (06/27). Learn more and explore band lineups at www.GrahamRecreationAndParks.com.