Co-Founders, Dorothy “Dot” and Bobby Guthrie, husband and educator, were determined to showcase Black history and culture in a museum. They felt that Gaston County should have a museum that houses and reflects documented artifacts of the contributions of African Americans to the development, history and culture of the county. After discussing the importance and desire to have such a venue with their friend and colleague, James “Jim” Biggers (1948-2019) whose dream was similar, Dot Guthrie was inspired to explore a site to fulfill the dream.

After discussing the importance and desire to have such a venue with their friend and colleague, James “Jim” Biggers (1948-2019) whose dream was similar, Dot Guthrie was inspired to explore a site to fulfill the dream.