Pat Sherrill Honored for Contributions to Cherryville History

9:38 AM EST |January 17, 2025|Lauren Ramsey|History, News Articles, People

By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network

Cherryville, NC (WNN)— During the January 13, 2025, Cherryville City Council meeting, the community celebrated Pat Sherrill’s 30 years of service as volunteer museum director of the Cherryville Historical Museum. While Sherrill humbly reflected on her leadership, she emphasized the collective effort of many volunteers who have helped shape the museum into what it is today.

Pat Sherrill and Family with Cherryville City Council Members. January 13th, 2025. By: Rusty Wise (WNN)

A Long History in Cherryville

Sherrill moved to Cherryville in 1982 after the passing of her parents. Despite living in various places over the years—including Belmont, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C.—Cherryville became her home, and she soon began contributing to the community through volunteer work. “I’ve lived a bit of everywhere,” Sherrill said. “Lived in Belmont till I was about 4, Mount Holly, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C., before returning to Charlotte and eventually moving to Cherryville in 1982.”

Before joining the museum, she worked with the “Crafted with Pride” project, documenting the impact of textile mill closures. She also contributed to educational programs at Shelby Hospital and Gaston County’s Department of Social Services.

Honoring Longtime Volunteers

Recognizing the contributions of key past and present volunteers who have made a lasting impact is essential. Glenn Lashbrook, Lavonne Keener, and Helen McFarland stand out for their pivotal roles in shaping the museum’s success. Notably, Lashbrook has dedicated over 20 years as a digital archivist and continues to be an integral part of the museum team.

Glenn Lasbrook, Lavonne Keener, Linda Barger, and Pat Sherrill (L-R) in front of the Cherryville Historical Museum. Dec 30th, 2023. By Rusty Wise (WNN)

Sherrill highlighted a framed list of volunteers displayed at the front of the museum, a tribute to those who made significant contributions to the museum’s growth and success but have since passed away. This list serves as a lasting acknowledgment of their dedication and the vital role they played in preserving Cherryville’s history for future generations.

A List of Cherryville Historical Museum Volunteers Who Have Passed Away. Dec 24th, 2022. By: Rusty Wise (WNN)

A Vision for The Future

Sherrill’s vision for a perfect museum revolves around community involvement and passionate local docents sharing Cherryville’s history. Furthermore, she envisions a museum that works closely with schools, organizes trips to other museums, and has a full-time staff to manage events, marketing, and funding.

She also remains committed to preserving important local history, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps exhibit, which showcases the efforts of young men during the Great Depression. Moreover, Her dedication to protecting Cherryville’s heritage goes beyond her work, as she continues to advocate for the museum’s future.

A Community Effort

As Cherryville continues to evolve, Sherrill’s contributions serve as a reminder of the power of collective effort in preserving history. Indeed, the museum’s success is a direct result of the dedication of numerous volunteers, past and present, whose tireless work and passion for the town’s heritage continue to shape its legacy. Sherrill’s recognition highlights the lasting impact of community collaboration in safeguarding the stories that define Cherryville.

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