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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VISIT
EDUCATION
VOLUNTEER
SUPPORT
My father was a WWII combat veteran who lived here with me for the last 5+ years of his life. We discovered the museum in its first days at the Heritage Museum. It became simply the best thing in his life. He was treated like a celebrity: red-carpet (literally) welcomes, a seat of honor next to the mayor, photographed, interviewed, published, book-signings, Honor wall plaque, Quilts of Valor ceremony, his picture in the paper several times a year, great speakers and events, and always someone new saying thank you and please tell me your story. Never just an old man in a wheelchair but a man among heroes.
–John Luzena, Museum Volunteer
If you have never taken the time to browse through this particular museum, I highly recommend it. It is a travel through our country’s history through the eyes of those who made all our freedoms possible. You will hear the stories from those who can tell it with knowledge and compassion in their souls. You will leave with a humbled heart and a sense of gratitude for all of those who have sacrificed for our country. This is history you can’t learn from a textbook.
–Judy M., Brevard, NC
The Veterans History Museum Movie
“Through Their Eyes”
Depicting Americans at war from WWI to current day, through musuem artifacts, professional naration, photos, videos and veterans’ stories.
“Through Their Eyes” – Is a series of brief and powerful videos that offer a historical perspective and a learning experience for young and old.
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.
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
The Last of the Band of Brothers
Bradford C. Freeman of Caledonia, Mississippi, passed away this week.He was the only living member of the"Band of Brothers" 101st Airborne Division, WWII. July 4, 2020: Soon after being honored on a visit to New Orleans' National World War II Museum, Mr. Bradford...
Still Hoping to Save the Kitty Hawk
USS Kitty Hawk Veteran Makes Call to Action! By Kenneth CornFrom the time David Cook turned seven years old until he raised his right hand totake the oath to defend his county, he knew he was destined to join the US Navy. Cook can trace his family’s Navy service back...
Joe Cooper, WWII and Korean War Veteran
Japanese “Betty” on fire. Photo courtesy Joe Cooper.Joe Dayton Cooper U.S. Navy, WWII – PacificDecember 27, 1941—December 28,1945U.S. Army, Berlin Air LiftKorean War, 1948-1953 Brevard resident Joe Cooper served in the U.S. Navy during WWII (Pacific), December 27,...
News
A Man for All Seasons
He led a remarkable lifeI finally met A Man for All Seasons. But unlike Sir Thomas More, he didn't lose his head at the end of the play. Chris Whitmire, Transylvania native, US Air Force Academy Distinguished Graduate, USAF Colonel, state legislator, and now an...
WWII Veteran’s Story Depicted in N.C. State House
I was waiting for the bullets“I was waiting for the bullets,” is WWII P-47 pilot Ed Cottrell’s description of being surrounded by German Me 109s during the Battle of the Bulge. That story is told in an oil painting commissioned by Valor Studios of Naples, Florida. A...
Ride the Parkway: Fundraiser for the Museum
Cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway Imagine cycling the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whew! U.S. military veterans John Buford and Rich Clarke, members of the Veterans History Museum’s Advisory Committee, will pedal 469 miles to support the Veterans History...
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The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas
21 East Main Street
Brevard, North Carolina 28712
Call: (828) 884-2141
Admission: FREE
Open: Tues-Sat, 11am to 3pm
Join Our Email List
If you are interested in signing up for news about the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas upcoming events and stories, please sign up for our on-line mailing list. Click Here.