About
Welcome!
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The association was formed in 1979 and by 1989 had purchased the property on which the “McElroy House” museum and the 1920’s gas station “Chamber of Commerce-Visitors Center “ are located. The dedication of the house as the Rush Wray Museum came in 1999 when the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2004 the house became part of the North Carolina Civil War Trails and finally in 2005 the office building next door along with the parking lot was donated to the association and now houses our genealogy library, veteran’s Hall of Honor” and other exhibits as well as archival and meetings spaces.
As the parent organization to the Rush Wray Museum of Yancey County History and Genealogy Library we offer the community a place in which the history, culture and heritage of this mountain community comes alive through our living history programs providing visitors with the opportunity to experience history first hand.
During special events, daily life is demonstrated by docents in period dress carrying out daily activities such as tatting, quilting, weaving, and chair caning, as well as gardening to name just a few.
The lower level is handicap accessible.
Our Mission
The Yancey History Association’s mission is to preserve, protect, and display our culture, history, and heritage through archival collections, promotion of education, oral history, genealogical record,s and living history.
Our Team
Debby Nance
President
Since retiring to the area in 2011, Debby has served on the board in different capacities. Debby recieved her M.A. in History, published several articles and books on Louisiana history, and dedicated her entire career to the Louisiana Dept. of Children and Family Services where she held various management positions as Child Care Director, Quality Control Director, and Food Stamp Director. Through her genealogical research, she found that her 4th great grand-father lived in Rutherford County, NC., during the Revolutionary War; served two terms as a NC Militiaman (one under Charles McDowell of Burke County); and was a participant in the Battle of King's Mountain; and later served a year as Continental soldier.
Mary Honeycutt
Treasurer
Mary and her husband, Blaine, are our Saturday docents and volunteer at numerous other non-profits in the area.
Minnie Powell
Board Member
Although Minnie is known locally for her musical talent, she is passionate about local history and will be a docent for the McElroy House. She currently runs the law office for local attorney Staunton Norris. We value her legal expertise within the association. She is a valuable resource for all our projects.
Chris Carter
Vice President
Chris has been a re-enactor and has served on the board for at least 15 years. She also volunteers with the Chamber of Commerce. Chris acts as our museum curator and has led the Yancey History Association in the last renovations to the McElroy House.
Jean Blevins Phillips
Hisotrian
Jean is our Friday docent, retired from Glen Raven Manufacturing and knows just about everyone in the county. Jean is one of our most faithful volunteers.
Jody Higgins
Board Member
A former editor for the Yancey Times, Jody has been instrumental for years in documenting the preserving local history through her photo journalism and her written articles. She also works tirelessly on the Images of Yancey - Vol I & II
Susan Wilson Parker
Secretary
She has returned to live in Burnsville and currently acts as a docent on Thursdays.
Elaine Boone
Past President/Board Member
The museum is one of her special projects. She led the Yancey History Association in renovating the Llyod Bailey Building and turned it into a true museum for rotating exhibits. Through fundraising efforts, she also organized fundraisers to restore the beautiful chimney on the Proffitt/Cousins/King cabin.
Dylan Wilson
Board Member
Dylan is known for his music and love of history. He has written, acted, and directed in his own plays, most notable "The Search for Elisha Mitchell" about the discovery of Professor Mitchell's body and the role played by "Big Tom" Wilson. He has also written and produced local history podcasts, "Our Mountain Speaks" which are available for download on major app stores.
Rush Wray Museum Complex
The Rush Wray Museum complex is owned and operated as a non-profit organization by the Yancey History Association. The original building bought by the organization was the historic McElroy House- which is now on the National Historic Register. The complex now includes a 1930’s gas station which houses the Chamber of Commerce and our 1922 Dodge Roadster; the Proffitt/Cousins/King Cabin; two other log structures- a smokehouse relocated from the Jack’s Creek area and a proposed farm/lumber exhibit building; the original cistern; and the Lloyd Bailey Building-which houses the organization’s rotating exhibits, offices, and collections.
