Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Bessemer City, NC (WNN) - A small museum in downtown Bessemer City is working to preserve the town's history for future generations.
The Bessemer City History and Arts Museum is located in a brownstone building at 209 W. Washington Ave. The building was built in 1929 for the Woman's Club, a local community group. One of the original founders of Bessemer City, Stonewall Jackson Durham, donated the rock for the building in 1893.
The outside of the Bessemer City History and Arts Museum. November 17th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Throughout the years, the building has seen many celebrations. People held weddings, high school reunions, and dances. In 1995, it officially became the home of the Bessemer City and Arts Society.
Today, visitors can see various displays that tell the story of how Bessemer City originated.
The museum features hand-painted displays that bring local history to life.
The "Great Wagon Trail" exhibit shows the first people who settled in this area. These were Scots-Irish and German families who traveled by covered wagon from Pennsylvania and Maryland starting in 1740. The colorful display includes paintings of pioneer families, wagons pulled by oxen, and log cabins surrounded by forest.
The Great Wagon Trail exhibit at the Bessemer City History and Arts Museum. November 17th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
Visitors can see authentic items from the past, including a wooden wagon, military uniforms from World War I, vintage hats, a menu from Bullard's Cafe, which was in the town in 1951, an older version of a washing machine, older thermometers, ice tongs, and more.
World War I memorabilia that can be seen on display in the museum. November 17th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
A special item on display is a typewriter that belonged to Lois "Lossie" Sexton Smith, a legendary figure from Bessemer City. After a serious car accident in 1938 left her paralyzed, Smith went on to work for more than 40 years as a newspaper writer and editor for the Bessemer City Record. She wrote from her home, often working from her hospital bed. Her memoir, "Lossie: Live to Laugh," tells her inspiring story. If you'd like to learn more, you can find her memoir on Amazon.
Lois "Lossie" Sexton Smith's Memoir on display next to her first typewriter at the Bessemer City History and Arts Museum. November 17th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
The museum has copies of the Bessemer City Record. The collection includes papers from 1963 to 2003.
The museum hosts community events throughout the year. This December, the Bessemer City History & Arts Society is presenting a Christmas Tour of Historic Homes and Churches on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $10. Along with the Tour, there will be a raffle to win a snowman quilt made by local community members, Beau and Julie Steele.
The snowman quilt that will be given away in the raffle. November 17th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
The tour includes stops at the museum and several historic locations around town, including historic homes such as the Hobbs-Whitmire home located at 310 W. Virginia Ave., churches, and The Lofts at Osage Mill.
The list of historic places that will be seen on the Christmas Tour. November 17th,2025
Lauren Ramsey (WNN)
The museum is a nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers from the Bessemer City History & Arts Society. The group relies on memberships and donations to keep the museum running and preserve local history.
Membership costs $10 per person or $20 per family each year. Members help care for the museum's collections and support community events.
The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m., except in December. New members are always welcome.
The museum is open by appointment only. To schedule a visit, call the Kiser Senior Center at (704) 729-6465.
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