You can help with next phase of county museum

Dear Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped make the opening of the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum a success.

We have had several hundred visitors, both locals and tourists, since our grand opening on May 17.

There has been nothing but positive comments abut the facility. One couple from Savannah, Ga., said they visit every museum as they travel and that ours is one of the best they have seen.

As word spreads, our attendance increases, benefitting not only the museum, but all the local businesses that these tourists will visit while they are in town.

Now that Phase I of our project is complete, we are anxious to begin work on the second phase of our building, which includes meeting spaces that will be available to the public. There is a great need for meeting space in our community as the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum continues to grow, we want to meet the needs of the public. One way for the museum to grow is by completing the auditorium and kitchen area to provide a meeting place for individuals and businesses. This space will host up to 200 people, while other rooms will be able to provide rentable space for smaller groups.

The museum has received a $5,000 challenge fundraiser toward the total cost of $70,000 needed to complete the project. This money will be used to provide water and needed repairs to the kitchen to make the auditorium available for groups. Previous work completed on the auditorium includes painting the facility and bricking the exterior. The Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society, Inc., has a rental contract available for anyone interested in using the area in the future. Having water and an operating kitchen would not only enhance the facility, it would offer more opportunities for activities for the public.

This is a great opportunity for our community and we hope you will consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us with the matching challenge. Please make your check payable to Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society (CHAPS), P.O. Box 8113, Gaffney, S.C. 29340. Please mark your check designated to the challenge match. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum. For more information, visit www.cherokeecountyhistory.org, or call (864) 489-3988. Sincerely, Billy Pennington Jr. Director Cherokee County History and Arts Museum