Museum of north carolina minerals

The Museum of North Carolina Minerals opened in 1956 as a joint project between the National Park Service and the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development.  The exhibits, unaltered for 46 years, focused on the economic benefits and uses of minerals found in the Spruce Pine mining district and elsewhere in North Carolina.

The Museum was subject to a nearly one million dollar renovation and expansion in 2002 with new exhibits and a much expanded mission and broadened interpretive goals.  This was made possible by a partnership between the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the National Park Service, and Mitchell County (NC).

A major focus is on fullfilling the North Carolina standards of learning in Earth Sciences with a curriculum based program at the Museum.  Students from a five county region actively attend the Museum for experiential learning and are introduced to the wealth of cultural and natural resoucres of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The new exhibits clearly and concisely explain:

FROM MOUNTAINS TO MOLECULES: How the geological processes formed the mountains millions of years ago

INSIDE THE LINVILLE FALLS FAULT: Why a wealth of mineral resources resulted in this geologic activity

FROM MOUNTAINS TO ROCKS: What minerals are and how they are identified and classified

MINERAL MART: What role minerals mined in North Carolina have played, and continue to play, in the industry and economy of the state, region, and world.

ENTER THE MINE: How minerals are mined, processed, and incorporated into the manufacture of a vast array of products

Essential terms like "rock", "mineral", and "gemstone" are defined, fundamental earth concepts are discussed using familiar analogies and meaningful metaphors.  The exhibits strike a welcome balance bewteen educating and entertaining visitors.  Exhibits accomodate both the special needs of the disables and the spatial needs of individuals, families, and school groups.

An endowment has been established by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to provide continuing operating and program support for the Museum.

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