RANDOLPH MUSEUM RECEIVES FUNDS COBLE SAYS

A Randolph County museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of North Carolina pottery will be receiving federal funds to create a database according to the congressman who represents Randolph in the House. U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) said today that the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove will receive $57,256 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Congressman Coble is proud to represent such a well-known attraction. “When you think of Seagrove, you synonymously think pottery,” Rep Coble said, “but not many people know the history and culture of pottery. These federal funds will assist the museum in creating a database that will teach us not only the heritage of pottery, but will be a resource tool for al of those interested in North Carolina pottery.”

Denny Mecham, the executive director of the North Carolina Pottery Center, was excited to learn of the impending grant. “Our museum’s mission is to preserve the heritage of North Carolina pottery,” Ms. Mecham noted, “along with chronicling the impact pottery has on North Carolina’s culture and economy. This database will give us a baseline of information that will assist us in our mission.”

According to the grant proposal, the documentation will create: 1) a baseline biographical index of 21st century potters and 2) an in-depth oral history and photographic record of 20 potters who have made substantial contributions to the field. Museum officials expect that during the next two years, about 300-350 potters will be included in the biographical index, along with 20 in-depth histories. The museum must raise $75,536 in matching funds.