millican pictorial history museum

The Millican Pictorial History Museum is a must-see attraction in Downtown Belmont. The museum itself, curated by noted photographer and local historian Allen Millican, is housed within one of Belmont’s oldest homes and is steps away from historic sites including the Chronicle Mill and the William Chronicle Homestead. The museum is walking distance to local shops and restaurants along Belmont’s Main Street. Mr. Millican's knowledge of Belmont and Gaston County history, particularly the 1929 and 1934 mill strikes, complement the rare photo collection housed within the museum. Mr. Millican’s dedication and passion for preserving and imparting history is quite evident in his meticulous research and restorative techniques which help to bring to life the memorabilia and photographs on display. Many of the pieces have been acquired from private collections and are never-before-seen nor published. Notably, most of the photos and memorabilia include captions and dates to explain the time, place, and context of each piece or image. In addition, Mr. Millican is always at the ready to offer a story or recommend texts for further enlightenment. I stepped into the museum on a whim this morning and left with a new acquaintance in Mr. Millican and a newfound appreciation for the rich history of Belmont and Gaston County.

The most extensive collection of vintage photographs I have ever seen. A picture is worth a 1000 words and Allen's collection is a crash course in the history of the area. They are perfectly organized and allow the observer to focus on the topics that interest them most. Allen is an excellent host and makes you feel welcome - just walk in the front door to see what I mean. My only regret is that I didn't allow more time. I hated to leave.... but....I will be back. Thank you Allen for a unique experience. Randy Brooks

We found this museum by just walking around the little town of Belmont. You could spend hours in this museum looking at old pictures. Allen Millican is a delight to talk to and wants to hear your stories too. Lots of old pictures from the Belmont, Gastonia and Charlotte area. He has them for sell too!!! We bought several and will go back when we have more time.

We were amazed by the number of pictures and historical references Allen Millican has put together at the Millican Pictorial History Museum. Allen is very personable and helpful in finding photos we were looking for relative to Belmont and Charlotte history. We will return to this venue so we can spend more time. Thank you Allen!

The museum is located a block from downtown Belmont across from the Belmont Historical Society on Catawba Street. Allen has an extensive collection of pictures and memorabilia from Belmont, Gaston County, the cotton mills and other local businesses. It's easy to walk in and spend an hour browsing around and barely scratching the surface of what he has. It's always an enjoyable visit looking through his photos and talk with him about the history of the area!

This museum is located in the oldest house in Belmont. Mr. Millican is very knowledgeable about the history of Gaston County. Very good pictures of the old mills and history of the county. This was a very enjoyable trip listening to a man who spends his life collecting facts about history.

What an incredible collection of historical photos documenting life in Belmont through out the years! You can see all the main people involved in the rise and fall of the textile mills and the struggle with the unions. Lots of interesting stories come to life again in all of the photos. We found it to be a very enriching experience and would love to see him publish a book with all of these pictures.

What an interesting place? The oldest house in Belmont, and part if it is museum with tons of interesting old photos of Gaston Co. Lots of photos of the old mills and the children who worked there. Family life is depicted from the simpler times from the 20's, 30's and 40's. Lots of aerial photos from all the surrounding towns. Busy intersections of today are dirt roads. Mr. Millican is so knowledgeable of the whole area and the background stories. Take time to stop in and walk back in time.

Visited the Millican Pictorial History Museum yesterday in Belmont, NC. The museum is housed in the oldest house in this small town not far from Charlotte. The photo's were gathered from the small towns around Gastonia, a treasure trove of everyday life in small southern towns from before 1900 to roughly 1980. The exhibit includes an extensive collection related to the two-hundred plus cotton mills that were a main industry in this part of NC at the time. It's a fabulous collection for anyone interested in rural southern towns, mill towns, cotton mills and all the activities associated with small town life, from the annual Christmas parade, to the local baseball team, police department or beauty pageant. The curator is highly knowledgeable of both the area and photo preservation techniques. He is a thrilling narrator of the mill labor riots of 1929 and early 1930's that ended in several deaths, including the sheriff, and uses wonderfully restored photos that captured the moment. If you enjoy looking at old time photos, this museum is packed with golden moments.

Milican's Pictorial History Museum is one of the best local museums in North Carolina.At first glance, walking into the museum, the sound of music and the chatter of a visitor is all that can be heard; and then it hits you. You look around and all you see is pictures of the past; hung on the wall, on the ceilings, posted along the banister. It's amazing that one town produced so many pictures of the past, and one man has them all. Alan Millican is the town's keeper of history. From pictures of the town's parades to children working in textile mills, there is not one year of history that is not in the museum.As for the mastermind behind this museum, Alan Millican is by far the nicest and most knowledgeable man that I have encountered. I have depended on him for countless assistance with research of the textile industry in Gaston County; his knowledge knows no bounds. I have spent many hours, pouring over pictures and listening to Millican tell me about the way it used to be. An honorable and trustworthy man, Millican has devoted much of his time and money to save the past. Gaston County should recognize this man for his contribution to the area. I would recommend this as a stop for anyone passing through the area. It is the experience of a lifetime!

We visited here on a Saturday, not expecting to spend much time here, but found it to be very entertaining and welcoming. Mr. Millikan did a great job explaining the set-up of the pictures and the history of Belmont, Gaston County, and the mill towns of the 1920s and 1930s. It was like visiting your grandmother and finding a treasure trove of old photos that remind you of the old days. The museum is in the oldest house still standing in Belmont. Definitely worth your time to visit this place.

The Millican Pictorial History Museum harbors numerous displays and thousands of photographsthat depict a history of life in Belmont and surrounding areas. The museum offers an in depthhistory of the textile industry that was prominent for many years in Belmont and Gaston County.Many other topics are featured such as sports and special events.Every time I visit the museumI see many things that bring back old memories. The Millican Pictorial History Museum is a trueBelmont treasure and if you have not been there, you are missing something special,Carrol T.

In months past and in recent days Allen Millican has restored damaged photographs of family members, one very special to me was my father in his military uniform during World War 11, 1943.Wow! was all I could say! It's the attention and caring spirit that he offers each customer; never too busy to give you of his time and services and his prices are so reasonable! Upon entering his Historical museum, it's not just about what you see but what you hear from Allen's storehouse of historical knowledge and wisdom. An hour in his establishment is just enough to make you thirsty for a second visit. Allen, along with Faith in His God, has brought to pass "Preserving the past for the sake of the future" for not only Belmont, but Gaston County and North Carolina. Also, his studio and living quarters are located in the oldest house in Belmont, built in 1868. Brenda Garrett Robinson

This Pictorial History Museum of Gaston County, N.C. is 'the most awesome experience you could ever imagine! The pictures speak for themselves, and what they don't say, Allen Millican knows and can say. We spent 2 hours there today and learned an abundance of information we had not know about, and I was born and raised on the Majestic Mill Village at East End in Belmont, NC!!! I have visited the Museum on many occasions, purchased pictures from my past that I would not part with Ever! My Family members as young mill workers, buildings from the past in beautiful clarity that have long since been torn down. It's just like 'stepping into your past'. I have lived in Georgia now for 44 years, but there is no place like home, and Allen Millican allows me the privilege of 'going home' to the 40's 50's 60's......even earlier decades.....even more recent decades. His Museum is usually the 'high light' of my trips during the year, and my 'First Stop'!!! Thanks, Allen for all your tireless work........you'll see.

It seems that we are drawn to this place over and over. Our first visit several years ago was so enjoyable. We must have spent 3 hours. We were amazed at the variety of pictures. The faces seem to tell just what it was like to live in and around Belmont during these years.. We always find pictures of friends and schoolmates and relatives who worked in the mills. We always leave with one or two that we purchase for ourselves. Our favorite place in Belmont