Some folks get a sneak peek at new museum
"...With the items that we have here, those visiting the museum will be both informed and entertained."
By JOE L. HUGHES II Ledger Staff Writer joe@gaffneyledger.com

Ledger photo / SCOTT POWELL CHAPS board member Ron Farley takes a closer look at a display on Gaffney football. Local media and board members were treated to a glimpse inside the museum Thursday afternoon.

It has been said that "those who do not know history are destined to repeat it."

With that notion in mind, members and supporters of the Cherokee Historical & Preservation Society (CHAPS) are making an effort to preserve history.

The organization allowed a group of 20 visitors to get a sneak peek Thursday at what is to be the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum. The museum, which is located at the old Central Elementary School at Johnson Street and College Drive, is expected to open to the public within the next couple of months.

"This museum has been a project in the works for a long time." Billy Pennington of CHAPS said. "History is always in motion. But with the items that we have here, those visiting the museum will be both informed and entertained."

Hoping to bring this area's history to life, Pennington and other members of CHAPS put their minds together to divide the museum into several sections - each dedicated to an important area of the county's growth.

For example, in one section visitors will be able to learn about American Indians' and early settlers' roles in the development of the county. A cannon still able to be fired on command joins arrowheads, animal skins and a number tools as part of the exhibit chronicling Cherokee County's early years. The cannon, which was restored by Clive Birchfield, was used during the historic American victory at the Battle of Cowpens.

According to Pennington and a senior project manager for the museum, Carol Poplin, such items encourage conversation both inside and outside the venue.

"These items help us to illustrate their interaction with the land and gain additional knowledge of their way of life," Poplin said. "While here and especially after leaving, we want visitors to debate and engage in conversation about what they have seen and learned."

The museum exhibits shed light on social and entertainment life in the county as well. The county's horse and car racing roots are featured along with displays representing the local peach industry and posters from movies shot in Cherokee County.

The museum pays tribute to the Michael Gaffney family, local education, medicine, religion and athletics.

Items are still being added on a regular basis. Old train depot signs, railroad tickets and schedules were recently donated.