Fireside History Series Returns December 9th, 2025

Dallas, NC – The Gaston County Museum of Art & History is pleased to announce the second season of the popular Fireside History Series, starting Tuesday, December 9 and running through March 2026.

The series kicks off on Tuesday, December 9 at 6:00pm when Kent Hester presents “Lights On, McAdenville!”, the story of the introduction of electricity to the textile mills and town of McAdenville, and the ripple effect caused by the innovation.

Mr. Hester, a member of the Museum staff and authority on local textile history, says his talk will focus on three parts: a brief history of the town with historical facts as well as legends and lore; the origin story and evolution of the McAdenville Christmas Lights over the past 70 plus years; and an audience participation portion where attendees can briefly give their favorite memories of Christmas Town U.S.A.

Dawn King, a guest speaker giving a presentation on long rifles and their manufacturers on December 9th, 2025

Contributed by: Gaston County Museum

The series continues Tuesday, January 13 when Dawn King gives a deep dive into the history of long rifles in the region. Ms. King, who has been interested in historic guns - both shotguns and rifles - for 25 years, will share:

• the history of long rifle makers in NC (many of whom were Quakers and pacifists), including the origins and need for guns, and the path of expansion that brought the rifles to NC and beyond. 
• the high level of skill and craftmanship involved in making a long rifle
• examples of historical guns made in NC from her personal collection. Special attention will be paid to the beauty and artistry of these hand-made guns including the engraving, design of patchboxes, and some of the quirks of personalities of these gun makers.

Jason Luker, a guest speaker giving a presentation on the Legacy of James Rhyne on February 10th, 2025

Contributed by: Gaston County Museum

On Tuesday, February 10 Jason Luker of the Charlotte Museum of History presents a fascinating look at the life of African American and former slave James Rhyne.

“More Than Just a Name: the Legacy of James Rhyne” will explore the impact Mr. Rhyne had on the county as an activist and member of the county’s Republic Party following the Civil War.  Born in Dallas in 1826, Mr. Rhyne died in 1902 and is buried in the First Baptist Church graveyard in Dallas, NC.

Jane Kaylor, a guest speaker giving a presentation on women in Gaston County who led the effort for voting rights on March 10th, 2025

Contributed by: Gaston County Museum

The series wraps up Tuesday, March 10 when Jane Kaylor, a local history and genealogy supervisor with the Gaston County Public Library, presents “Remember the Ladies”, a look at women in Gaston County who led the effort for voting rights and other social reforms in the early 20^th century.

“We are excited to once again present this popular evening history series to our members and guests. There are so many aspects of Gaston County history to explore, and what better way that in an intimate fireside setting with some of our most distinguished local historians,” says Alexandrea Pizza, the Museum’s executive director.

“We invite adults and older teens to join us for this enlightening series of discussions,” she says.

Guests will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Complimentary cocktails will be available for Museum members.

Admission is free, but reservations are required at Zeffy.com or by calling the Museum at 704-922-7681. Seating is limited. For more information visit the Museum’s website www.gastoncountymuseum.org.

Tickets to the Fireside Historuy series: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/fireside-history-chats

Admission to the Museum is free. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm. All buildings, exhibits and grounds are handicapped accessible.