Museum at the Friends Home

"We stumbled across this on a visit to Waynesville. For $5, it's a phenomenal tour. The building architecture, the local history and the antiques are worth the visit. Pat was our tour guide and she was absolutely amazing and we loved our time with her. There is so much to see and learn there. I highly recommend."

"Very nice place to visit and learn of the rich history of the Waynesville area. I have family history in the area and it was exciting to see the names of some relatives in some of the records there on display. The fee is $5 a person but is considered a donation. They accept elementary school trips so even young ones should enjoy their experience there."

"Very interesting facility with a very eclectic assortment of items from the past. The museum curator provided much information and context to the home and its contents. I especially enjoyed the various themed rooms like the nursery, school room and library."

"The sign in front of the museum clearly says it all, that they are open on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm. Even if you check online, that same schedule is posted. I drove a long way to see this museum that, based on comments online, seems interesting. I thought it’s something that I could write about. But I was very disappointed when I arrived at the place on a Saturday afternoon! First, the front door was locked. I went to the side and checked if maybe the entrance has changed. Still locked. I checked the schedule posted on their front and side doors and both said they are open. Since I couldn’t enter, I thought I should just leave. Then I saw a group of people entered the side door. I hurried hoping I could get inside. However, a lady at the door told me that I couldn’t because it’s a private gathering. But nowhere online or at the doors that say they are close that day. I wasted my time traveling to see the museum only to be rejected! I will never visit this place. If you want to go, call them first. Do not trust their website because they do not update it nor any other links online that says they are open."

"Visiting this museum is unlike visits to other museums. With three floors and 20 rooms of exhibits highlighting local area history, the Quakers, the Underground Railroad and much more housed in a 1905 Quaker boarding home, strolling through the rooms is both a joy and educational. The library is a great place to find family and building histories, the volunteers knowledgeable regarding the exhibits. The building is a gem with large twin staircases, hardwood flooring and 77 windows throughout, making the museum feel open and airy. Each exhibit room is different making a visit interesting and enjoyable."