252.943.6817

www.beaufort-county.com/BelhavenMuseum

The Belhaven Memorial Museum is a non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, display and preserve historical and cultural artifacts and objects and to stimulate and encourage interest and support of the history, art, science and culture of the Belhaven area, of Beaufort County, and of eastern North Carolina. The museum builds upon the original collection of Mrs. Eva Blount Way (1869-1962).

Mary Eva Blount Way (1869-1962), or "Miss Eva" as she was known affectionately, was an avid collector. Her love of things unique began with a small but treasured collection of buttons given to her by her mother-in-law. Over the years, she accumulated approximately 30,000 buttons from throughout the United States and around the world.

At the same time, she began acquiring all manner of items of special significance to her, including Christmas memorabilia, period clothing, toys and dolls, china, farm tools and specimens from her natural environment.

As word of her preoccupation spread, friends and neighbors began to bring treasures from their own lives and travels. The result is a fascinating array of priceless artifacts from Beaufort County, NC and afar which represent nearly a century in the world of Mrs. Eva Blount Way.

In an effort to aid the Red Cross, Miss Eva began to showcase her collection from the Way home beginning in about 1940. As the collection grew to more than 10,000 items, it eventually expanded into the family barn. Following her death in 1962, at the age of 93, concerned citizens of the town of Belhaven initiated efforts to purchase the collection.

On April 1, 1965, the Belhaven Memorial Museum was officially opened on the second floor of the historic Belhaven Town Hall. The museum today is a unique learning center which allows visitors to step back into the nineteenth century and glimpse one woman's silent testament to her life and times.

Hours of Operation: 1-5 PM daily except Wednesday
Admission Fees: By donation

Nearest Major Town/City: Washington, NC (25 miles west)

For Visitor Information:

Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce
101 West Main Street
Belhaven, NC 27810
252.943.3770

Major Program Areas: Eastern North Carolina heritage and culture

• Reservations required
• Free, donations accepted
• Curriculum-based tours if requested

Education Coordinator: John Britt, 252.943.2295