Rowan Museum and Historic Salisbury Foundation present

Our Place in History

Course begins on January 22, 2026 and lasts for nine weeks

Rowan Museum, in collaboration with Historic Salisbury Foundation, present Our Place in History. This long running course provides a factual, well-rounded and entertaining romp through the history of Rowan County and Salisbury. Participants will develop strong personal contacts as well as reference guides to encourage and enable further casual reading or serious research.

History classes will take place every Thursday from 7 to 8:30 PM at various locations. Most classes will be at the Rowan Museum. Numerous speakers will share their insight on topics from Native Americans into modern times! The class series makes a great gift for that person who has an interest in history and gift certificates are available.

Behind-the-scenes tours of various historic sites and presentations by local experts will leave all participants with a greater knowledge of the area in which we live. Classes include information on Native Americans, Early Pioneers, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and into modern times! The basic text is “Rowan County… A Brief History” by James S. Brawley. It is available at the Rowan Public Library for checkout. This is included in a more comprehensive reading list.

Make your reservation below or by calling 704-636-0103 or by email to office@historicsalisbury.org.

$25

Newcomers to Rowan County last 12 months

$30

HSF and Rowan Museum Members

$35

Non-members

Class Schedule

January 22
Natives of Rowan County

Location: Rowan Museum
(202 N. Main St. Salisbury NC 28144)
Speakers: Aaron Kepley

January 29
Rowan & Regulation

Location: Rowan Museum
(202 N. Main St. Salisbury NC 28144)
Speakers: Aaron Kepley

February 12
Revolution & Early Republic

Location: Rowan Museum
(202 N. Main St. Salisbury NC 28144)
Speakers: Aaron Kepley

February 19
Antebellum Rowan County

Location: Rowan Museum
(202 N. Main St. Salisbury NC 28144)
Speakers: Dr. Gary Freeze

February 26
Civil War

Location: Soldiers AME Zion Church
(306 N. Church St. Salisbury NC 28144)
Speakers: Kyle Whisenant

March 5
Reconstruction & Gilded Age

Location: Rowan Museum
(202 N. Main St. Salisbury NC 28144)
Speakers: Dr. Gary Freeze

March 12
Post Cards of Rowan County

Location: Rowan Museum
(202 N. Main St. Salisbury NC 28144)
Speakers: TBA

March 19
World War II - Present

Location: Rowan Museum
(202 N. Main St. Salisbury NC 28144)
Speakers: Mark Wineka

March 25
Historic Preservation, Q&A

Location: Rowan Museum
(202 N. Main St. Salisbury NC 28144)
Speakers: Pete Prunkl

Suggested Reading

  • A Brief History

    James Brawley

  • History of Rowan County

    Reverend Jethro Rumpole

  • Artisans in the Back Country

    J.M. Lewis

  • Troubled Ground

    Claude Clegg III

  • Carolina Cradle; Settlement of the Northwest Carolina Frontier

    Robert W. Ramsey

  • The Salisbury Prison

    Louis A. Brown

Speakers

  • Aaron Kepley

    Rowan Museum Director and author

  • Pete Prunkl
  • Mark Wineka
  • Dr. Gary Freeze

    Award winning author and retired History Professor from Catawba College.

  • Kyle Whisenant

Field Trips

January 31 - 1:00 pm
General John Steele House, c. 1799

1010 Richard Street, Salisbury, NC

Private guided tour of this restored Federal style home that was located on the highest point of the 866-acre plantation known as Lombardy. It is one of a few early plantation houses in NC that has survived within the heart of a modern city. Steele was one of the most prominent politicians from Rowan County, serving as town commissioner and later elected to the North Carolina House of Commons and the US House of Representatives. He was also appointed by George Washington as Comptroller of the U.S. Treasury. After he resigned during Jefferson’s presidency, he turned his focus to the plantation and stables, while also serving in other political offices.

February 21 - 1:00 pm
E.H. Montgomery General Store

770 St. Stephens Church Rd
Gold Hill, NC

Walking tour of about 3/4 mile and lasting approximately one hour. Gather at the store location and walk as a group as you learn all about this fascinating historic gold mining town.