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An important date in preserving our local history took place on July 4, 1976.

Before that time, what was known as the Stanly County-Albemarle Museum Association had been working to create a county museum.

The local Annunciation Catholic Church was building a new building, so the original church building was obtained and moved to Rock Creek Park to serve as a museum. After the building was moved, it was determined to be unsuitable for the Museum Association’s needs.

The members of the Stanly County Historic Properties Commission (SCHPC) were soon given a solution. Local historian Catherine Pickler and her husband Reade purchased the I.W. Snuggs home. Located on North Third Street, and at the time, the third oldest house in the county, it was then gifted to the SCHPC. The home was renovated and on July 4, 1976, a dedication ceremony was held to open the museum to the public.

Catherine Pickler was given the honor of cutting the ribbon, shown in today’s picture, to mark this historic occasion. The Snuggs home has continued to play a role in the preservation of our local history and today is owned by the Stanly County Historical Society.

{Lewis Bramlett – Stanly County Historical Society}