Have relics from Kannapolis’ early days or stories to tell about the mill town’s beginnings? The Kannapolis History Associates would like to hear from you.
The organization is preparing to build a museum to display artifacts it has obtained over the years and more that organizers want to acquire.
“We are asking everyone to search their closets, attics, basements and garages for items that tell a story about our heritage in Kannapolis and the surrounding communities in Cabarrus County,” says organizer Phil Goodman. “We are able to provide safe and secure storage in a thermostatically controlled, dry environment for any artifacts donated. ”
Donations could include, but not be limited to, written documents, advertising items and articles, products, tools, machinery, clothing, vehicles, property, buildings, architectural pieces, furniture, pictures and more. They could come from churches, schools, colleges, mills, businesses, stadiums, ballparks, homes, railways, hospitals, charitable and fraternal organizations, bus lines, cab companies, phone companies, restaurants and many other sources.
KHA is also preparing to take a recorded oral history from anyone who has a story to tell, regardless of how large or small or how insignificant it may seem.
“We want to record your memories of where you worked, attended school and church, received medical care and played sports,” Goodman says. “We are interested in your growing up years, memories of the war years, how you lived, your means of transportations and what caused you to stay or move back to Kannapolis.”
A 501c3 organization, Kannapolis History Associates was organized in 1987 out of a need to preserve artifacts of the YMCA that was to be demolished. The association’s purpose is to acquire, preserve and display written, oral and physical artifacts of the city of Kannapolis and surrounding areas of Cabarrus County.
KHA operates the Hinson History Room at the Kannapolis Branch of the Cannon Memorial Library and the GI House. The group also participated in the 100th anniversary of Cannon Mills, the 100th anniversary of Kannapolis, Cotton Stock festivals and other city activities. It has sponsored several home tours and luncheons.
For more information, contact Norris Dearmon at 704-933-9314, Phil Goodman at 704-796-0803, Sonny White at 704-933-1677 or Mabel Brown at 704-933-0027.