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Mint Hill is one step closer to getting a new museum.
Mint Hill Park and Recreation Committee members gave a unanimous endorsement last week to the proposed Armed Forces Museum and Archives of the Carolinas, which would be built next to the future Korean War Memorial in Mint Hill's Park on Fairview, just off Interstate 485.
The Matthews American Legion Post 235 has worked for the past two years to establish the nonprofit museum with support of veterans' organizations in Mecklenburg and Union counties. The museum would feature permanent exhibits, rotational exhibits and special collections from all branches of the armed forces. Organizers say they don't yet know the construction cost.
Ron Freeman, Mint Hill Park and Recreation Committee chairperson, says he's excited about the possibility of the museum coming to town.
“I think it will be a great fit alongside the Korean War Memorial, and I think it's a great honor that they chose our town,” he said.
The museum originally planned to locate in Matthews. But Suzanne Gulley, a Matthews commissioner and museum board member, says the location and the offer of free land in Mint Hill was too good to turn down.
“Matthews was going to allow us to use the old Bradford Clinic for five years, but couldn't offer us any land. When we got the offer of free land from Mint Hill, we thought it would be ideal,” said Gulley.
She says as soon as Mint Hill commissioners approve the plans, which they are scheduled to discuss at their Sept. 24 meeting, the group will start fundraising. They plan to build a 5,500-square-foot building designed for expansion. That building would probably necessitate demolition of the current park house.
The museum is being designed and coordinated by Roger Reimann of Zoma Communications of Matthews.
Organizers hope it will be a regular destination for class field trips. Gulley says they want to tell the stories not only of the folks who served, but also of those left at home. They are interested in old diaries, letters and other correspondence. She says the museum already has a large collection of medals, uniforms and other memorabilia. They are just waiting for a place to display it all.
Mint Hill Town Manager Brian Welch says he believes the museum would be a great draw to the town.
“This site offers great visibility, and neither the war memorial nor the museum will infringe on the current use of the park,” said Welch.
“This will be a huge tourism draw for Mint Hill. There's nothing else like it anywhere around.”
