tobacco-farm-life-museum

Since 1983

The Tobacco Farm Life Museum has been preserving the history and
cultural heritage of Eastern North Carolina farm life.

The museum was started by a group of local families who had pride in their past and a strong volunteer spirit. Having seen the way of life of their parents and grandparents becoming obsolete, these families wanted to preserve this personal and special history of the Eastern North Carolina flue-cured tobacco farm family for future generations. The museum has grown to an internationally recognized and accredited museum and today continues to interpret and present this important rural legacy to the public.

Come visit and step back in time to a turn-of-the-century homestead, including a restored house and detached kitchen, smokehouse, log tobacco barn, and even an outhouse. The 6,000 square foot museum features both permanent and rotating exhibits on farm life, southern medicine, domestic skills, rural social life, and artifacts. Take a trip back in time to a simpler way of life. . .

educational-materials

Educational

Materials for all grades

Take a Survey

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Our Location

Hours and Location

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Stepping into the Past

Our Saturday series...

Museum Gallery

Sharp-Thad-P-Jr
Thad P. Sharp Jr.

 

Throughout his career, Thad has been involved with many professional organizations. Some positions he has held are as follows:
Board of Directors, Triangle East Healthcare Services, Inc.
Board of Directors of Wilmed Corporation
Board of Trustees, Area L Health Education Center (AHEC)
Wilson Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor from 1972 to present
Deacon, Nobles Chapel Baptist Church
Member, NC Grange- NC Farm Bureau
Past member, Tobacco Farm Life Museum Board of Advisors
Chairman, Governor's Advisory Committee on Agriculture
Past member, Board of Trustees of Wilson Memorial Hospital
Served two terms as a National Director of American Yorkshire Club
Past National Committee for Tobacco Inspection Services
Corporate Board of The Heritage bank since 1980, Chairman since 1991

Thad has also been honored with several awards.

In 1961, he received the Wilson Chamber of Commerce Triple Achievement in Commercial Farming. His family was given the 1985 North Carolina Soil & Water Conservation Farm Family of the Year Award. He was presented the 1990 National Seedstock Producer of the Year Award for Leadership & Production of Performance Tested Swine, the 1996 North Carolina Outstanding Pork Producer of the Year, and the 1998 Award for Outstanding Forestry Practice in Wilson County. His most recent honor was being inducted into the North Carolina Pork Hall of Fame in 1999.

Thad is a very caring, compassionate and fun-loving person who enjoys intermingling with people, exchanging stories and seeing beautiful crops and flowers growing. He likes the fellowship and challenge of a good game of golf when time permits. He also finds happiness in spending time with his grandchildren and enjoys seeing people and things progress.

Given to Mr. Sharp by the Tobacco Farm Life Museum at the Excellence in Agriculture Dinner on October 14, 1999, honoring his outstanding contributions to our agri-business community.

Contact Us

  • museum-artifactsAddress:

    709 North Church Street
    Kenly, North Carolina

  • Telephone: 919-284-3431
  • Send us an Email
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