Our Mission
The mission of the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas is to honor our nation’s veterans, to educate the public about our country’s military history and the contribution of our service men and women, and to preserve important and unique historic artifacts. The Museum reflects a love of country and gratitude to those who serve it by remembering and celebrating their service.
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WE ARE OPENING MARCH 25th AND LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT
New Hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The museum will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. New COVID-19-related protocols will ensure the safety of visitors and our all-volunteer staff. Movies, lectures, special events, and guided tours will return for the 2021 season.
The Veterans History Museum will continue to offer digital newsletters, media coverage, and self-guided tours in support of our mission to honor veterans from WWI to the present, educate the community, and preserve historic artifacts.
We look forward to welcoming you back as we continue honoring veterans and service members, educating young and old, and preserving our proud military history.
In Loving Memory of
Toni Casciato,
First Lady of the Museum
June 27, 1953 – May 17, 2020
Toni Casciato passed away on May 17, 2020.
She brought creativity, tireless work, positive energy, her beautiful smile and her joyful laugh to the museum and everywhere she went.
Why the Veterans History Museum
The purpose of this veterans museum is to honor the men and women from North and South Carolina who served in our armed forces.
Some examples of what the museum features include one-of-a-kind artifacts, uniforms, weaponry, original newspapers, personal letters, etc.
All of these special items weave the great and proud stories of service in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
They display and help us empathize with the wonder, but also the danger of our involvement in these wars, and the unique sacrifice of our military men and women!
Love of country plus gratitude to those who served proudly equals the museum’s theme for all ages, both young and old.
Museum Vision
To be the center of excellence for honoring veterans, documenting their histories, and showcasing their memorabilia from WWI to the present. To be a place for remembrance, education and celebration.
Peek Inside the Museum
Our Honor Wall hallmarks the service of veterans across North and South Carolina.
The Honor Wall is the first exhibit a visitor encounters. Golden plaques recognize those who served and those who are serving. Many funeral homes are now providing plaques in honor of passed veterans.
When looking for a meaningful way to honor a family member or friend, please consider an honor wall plaque. Click here for more information on how to honor your veteran.
Golden plaques are available for one hundred dollars and can be etched with up to forty five letters of your choice. Four inch by eight inch golden plaques are also available for two hundred dollars and can be etched with up to fifty letters.
Living Histories
Band of Brothers
Private Bradford Freeman of Caledonia, Mississippi and Colonel Ed Shames of Virginia Beach, Virginia are the only two living members of the "Band of Brothers" 101st Airborne Division, WWII.An Interview with Bradford C. Freeman By Janis AllenBrad Freeman was one of...
Honoring Vietnam War Veterans
By Michel RobertsonThe photos in this article are of local Vietnam War veterans, many of whom you may know. See whether you’re able to recognize them! Today, March 29th, is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, a day of remembrance established by the Vietnam War Veterans...
Gil Mays flies the TBF Avenger
Rutherford County resident Gil Mays (center) with his crew next to their TBF Avenger onboard the U.S.S. Yorktown in 1944. There were three crew members: pilot, turret gunner and radioman/bombardier/ventral gunner.An interview with WWII pilot Gil Mays and his son...
News
US Air Force Quilts of Valor
Jim Schenfield, Alex Ritchey and Chuck Gosnell (l-r above) served a combined 60 years in the US Air Force, each retiring as a Master Sergeant. Each was honored with handmade patriotic quilts from the quilters of Blue Ridge Quilts of Valor in Brevard on March 26, 2021....
Toni Casciato Remembered and Honored
Representatives of honoree organizations surround Toni's portrait. From left, Frank Duckworth, American Legion; John Rogers, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Howard Thiele, Transylvania Honor Guard; and Jeff Miller, Blue Ridge Honor Flight May 17, 2020, Toni Lee...
New Video Series
“A Night at the Muesum”
Now available on our Youtube channel
Visit our Social Media channels for the latest news.
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If you are interested in signing for news about the Veterans History Museum, upcoming events and stories please sign up for our on-line mailing list.