Dear Editor:

The Cherokee Historical & Preservation Society, Inc. Board of Directors, staff, members, and the community, would like to extend our great appreciation to the Cherokee County Council for their recent decision to assist us with the utility costs at the Cherokee County History & Arts Museum.

The museum is one of the finest in the region and is of great educational and economic benefit to the county.

The vote of support is of critical importance to the perception local residents have of the council as a body that understands the benefits such a facility brings to our community. By providing educational opportunities, cultural experiences, and much-needed meeting spaces, the History & Arts Museum is vital to the development of Cherokee County. These services also place our county at a higher standard when being examined by possible businesses and their employees.

By maintaining a fully operational schedule, that is publicized and promoted across the Southeast, the museum brings hundreds of visitors a year into Cherokee County that would otherwise pass us on the way to Charlotte or Greenville. When these tourists come into our county, they shop, eat, and often stay the night, spending money that increases our tax revenue.

The council’s decision to redistribute those funds into the support of our facility speaks highly of their understanding about how investment in the community reaps great rewards.

This funding is both legitimate and timely. Most county museums receive operating funds from their local governments and the Cherokee County Council has chosen to join the ranks of those who appreciate the benefits that ours can bring to Cherokee County.

As a new facility, we are still developing our funding base and the current financial situation makes the gift even more crucial, since individual memberships and donations have decreased for all non-profit organizations.

I encourage all Cherokee County residents to visit the museum, get involved, and discover what a wonderful opportunity is right here at home!

The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment at all other times by contacting us on our Web site at www.cherokeecountyhistory. org; or by calling (864) 489-3988.

Thank you again to the council and all our supporters.
Sincerely,
Edward Patterson
President
Cherokee Historical & Preservation Society, Inc.
Gaffney, S.C.