The Mountain Gateway Museum is inviting locals and visitors to fully immerse themselves into the holiday spirit with an open house celebration set to correspond with the festive season. On December 14th, Saturday, from 1-4 p.m., the museum is hosting its Christmas event at its temporary digs located at 78-C Catawba Ave. in Old Fort, just before the town's annual Christmas parade kicks off. This free gathering is not just about soaking in the joyous decor; it offers a glimpse into the varied holiday traditions from Western North Carolina's past.
Venturing through the temporary location, guests are set to also discover a special exhibit that showcases the diverse ways in which winter festivities are celebrated, encompassing traditions like the Scottish New Year and Junkanoo, alongside Christmas. Eager to spread not only knowledge but also warmth, the Old Fort Community Forum will be providing free hot cocoa and holiday crafts. The goal is simply to not only entertain but educate attendees on the region's rich tapestry of cultural heritage.
An initiative of the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh, the Mountain Gateway Museum operates as more than a mere repository of the past. According to its latest press release, it serves as the westernmost facility in the state's Department of Natural & Cultural Resources' Division of State History Museums, utilizing exhibits, educational programs, and special events to bring the history and culture of the state’s mountain region into vivid relief.
Moreover, the department spans a broad array of responsibilities, aiming to truly enhance the elements North Carolinians treasure—from arts and culture to natural beauty. Ensuring to also broaden accessibility, it oversees an extensive network that includes museums, parks, state trails, and more. For the Old Fort community, the museum's Christmas open house is simply a microcosm of its broader mission to interlace education with community engagement and celebration.
For those interested in joining the festivities or seeking more information about the event or museum itself, reach out to RoAnn Bishop at [email protected] or visit the museum's website at mgmnc.org.
