We now have a museum of which we can be proud

Dear Editor:

The Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society, Inc., and its board of directors wish to thank everyone who worked so hard to make our Membership Gala, Potters on Gaffney's Old Field and the grand opening of the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum such a success.

Because of your dedication and support, Cherokee County now has a history and arts museum of which we can all be proud. Bill Pennington Jr. is the director.

Since 2000, you have given of your time, physical labor and finances in support of the project. We cannot name each of you who participated for fear of omitting someone and that is not our intention. To all of you who laid brick, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, roofers and the craftsmen who did finishing work, a well-deserved thank you.

To all who came in to help clean and restore artifacts, set up displays, move furniture numerous times, cut the grass and plant flowers and made sure the museum was prepared for the public, we could not have been ready without your help.

Thanks to each of you who provided financial assistance and support by which everything was made possible. Without the public's donations of artifacts, we would not have exhibits. Thank you for your confidence in us to protect and share your heirlooms. Some days when we get discouraged you would come by and quietly reassure us with a soft word of support and encourage us to hang in there. To those we say thank you. As you can tell, the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum involved hundreds of people, each contributing from their hearts and donating hours of their time for it be be a success.

Our hearts are appreciative and humbled at what the citizens of Cherokee County and CHAPS have accomplished. The physical construction has been completed and now volunteers are being sought to assist in the running of the museum and providing the public with an educational and pleasurable experience. Please contact the museum at (864) 489-3988 to volunteer.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum located at 310 College Drive. The museum is currently open. Jane Waters, Executive Director Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society, Inc.