Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization formed in 1968. The Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. is responsible for operating and maintaining the Old Wilkes Jail (c. 1859), Robert Cleveland Log Home (c. 1779), and the Wilkes Heritage Museum (former Wilkes County Courthouse, c. 1902).

Our History

The Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. was established in 1968 with the intent of restoring the Old Wilkes County Jail to its original 1860 appearance and operating it as an educational center for the community. Since then, restoration of the Old Wilkes County Jail has been completed as well as the 1779 home of Captain Robert Cleveland, the late 19th century Finley Law Office, and the 1902 Wilkes County Courthouse.

The Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. now finds it’s home in the restored 1902 Wilkes County Courthouse, celebrating its unique heritage as it seeks to preserve the past of Wilkes County. Since it's official opening in November 2005, the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. has undoubtedly contributed to the education and culture of the county's present and future. Through a collection of artifacts and images, numerous stories of early settlement, military history, industry, agriculture, medicine, communication, education, entertainment, and transportation are told.