After 9 years of dedicated service, our wonderful Administrative Assistant Elaine Jackson is retiring in March. Thank you Elaine for all your hard work! Here, in her words, are a few of her favorite moments with the museum.

It’s really hard to believe that only nine years ago I came to work as the Admin Asst for the museum – February 16, 2005. Over the years, I’ve learned so much, both about the families that settled Dallas and Gaston County and the history of this great 1852 building. I’ve had some wonderful times here and made some outstanding memories that will always stay with me. Some include the front porch reconstruction a few years ago, the landscaping of the back gardens, the Depot renovation making it a usable space, the beautiful snow that’s falling right now outside my third floor office window, the gorgeous brides and lovely weddings that graced the back lawn over the past nine years; these are just for starters, but I don’t want folks to nod off! 

There were some really great exhibit opening parties, one even had Tom Watson’s cream-colored vintage Rolls Royce sitting on the museum’s back lawn. I’ll never forget the Orthopedic Hospital exhibit and reunion that brought back so many touching memories for the  folks who worked and lived there.  The visitors I’ve met from England, Australia, all over the US - even Dallas, Texas - who loved the fact this building was preserved and presented in such a historic manner. Keeping the museum’s progress going for many years to come so more can see all the museum is and is capable of becoming.  What really made the job so good was it didn’t seem like a job much of the time – I got to work with folks who made work a pleasure – and the most dedicated volunteers who gave the museum their time and talents – I will remember you and the fun we had.  Take care of each other – Elaine