More Unusual Museums in North Carolina

North Carolina has many museums spread across the state. Here are three you may not know about. And if these aren't convenient for you, they may give you ideas for finding ones in your area.

Elsewhere Collaborative
606 S. Elm Stree
Greensboro, NC
336-907-3271

This museum began as a thrift store and was run by Sylvia Gray for fifty-eight years. When she died in 1997, she left a jumble of objects covering three floors of the store. Her grandson, artist George Scheer, began organizing the collection into something more aesthetically pleasing. What evolved is both a museum and an art organization.

Renamed "Elsewhere," it is a place where artists can come, work, and use their creative skills to create something different from the items they find there; or the public can come to see the displays. Memberships are available. Call for details because elsewhere is certainly something different.

Korner's Folly
413 S. Main Street
Kernersville, NC

Jule Gilmer Korner, an artist and designer, built a 6,000 sq. ft. Victorian. brick home in Kernersville in 1880. The twenty-two room house has many unique architectural details. For example, the three floors have fifteen unusual fireplaces. He originally built the house to showcase his talent and help his business, but after marrying and having a family, he turned it into his private residence. If you like architecture, interior design, or historic houses, this is a must-see.

Whirligig Park and Museum
301 Goldsboro Street
Wilson, NC
252-243-8440

Just as the name indicates, Whirligig Park is all about whirligigs, those fascinating creations that work with the wind. However, many of the ones in the park are large and made from industrial parts.

When Vollis Simpson retired from repairing farm machinery, he started making large whirligigs. He worked on them every day until his death at ninety-four years old.

At first, his displays just attracted the local people. However, without any advertising, his work was soon bringing in out-of-state visitors as well. Soon, Simpson's farm became one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Wilson County.

By Stef Rae - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.

As Simpson's health declined, he wasn't able to maintain the whirligigs, some of which rose for fifty feet. In 2010, town leaders decided to establish the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and Museum and obtained grants to help make it happen. Vollis was delighted all his hard work would live on after him. The park is available for rent to individuals and groups.

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