The Museum's mission is to educate and preserve the history of Caldwell County for future generations through educational services and exhibits.

     Caldwell Heritage Museum sits on top of Davenport Hill, overlooking Lenoir, NC. One can identify it by the two story, red bricked, white columned structure. The former Davenport College Music Building was built in the mid-1920s. It is the last remaining building of Davenport College and housed a cafeteria, music, and science classes. The college was established in the mid-1850s for women; it was the center of the community for education and the arts.

     After the college closed, the building was used for a variety of purposes. It has been an elementary school, public school administration offices, a music center for Davenport Junior High School, and a location for community residents to study the arts and music from a variety of instructors.

     Caldwell County Historical Society dreamed for years of finding a location for a museum. In the mid-1980s, an agreement was reached between the Historical Society and the school system to keep the building to be used as a museum and heritage center. School officials had discussed at an earlier time having the structure demolished. When word reached the community that the structure might be demolished, a renovation effort was organized to save the building. With the support of many residents and those who had a vision to not only preserve, but also teach the history of Caldwell County, the Caldwell Heritage Museum was born. It eventually came under the care of Caldwell County Schools and remains so today.

     Its mission is to educate and preserve the history of Caldwell County for future generations through educational services and exhibits.

     Today, the Museum showcases exhibits such as Native Americans; Early formation of Caldwell County; Railroads; and Furniture. Special exhibits includeSchools; Military; Women's Fashions; and Davenport College.

     The Museum is located at 112 Vaiden Street SW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Other times are by appointment. One may reach the museum by calling 828-758-4004 during business hours or by email, caldwellheritagemuseum1841@gmail.com.

     If you would like to see the mural, it is placed at the front of the building. Please feel free to take a picture even if the museum is closed. You can also tag us on social media on the museum's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CaldwellHeritageMuseum/.

     Covered wagons next to the Iron Horse shows change in progress at the turn of the century. The "Train Town" Postage Stamp mural tells the story of many small mountain towns in the 1880s. Crowded together are businesses and homes, as signs of nature surround these bustling new ventures.

This mural is part of a postage size mural series painted by artist Doreyl Ammons Cain.