ABOUT US

Matthews Historical Foundation is the proud owner and caretaker of the Reid House and the Massey-Clark House, both in downtown Matthews. The Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2012 and has always been comprised of dedicated volunteers interested in preserving Matthews history.

The Reid House, a lovely Queen Anne Victorian, located at 134 West John Street. Constructed in 1890, it was the home of Dr. Thomas Neely Reid and his family. Always owned by the Reid Family, the Foundation acquired the house in 1987. Beautifully renovated, it is available for special event rental limited to 90 people. For more information visit the HistoricMatthews Reid House.

The Massey-Clark House is located at 232 North Trade Street. Constructed in 1879, it was the home of Dr. H.V. Massey and his family. Later, the Clark’s occupied the home for fifty years. Beginning in 1979, the Matthews Help Center served the local people at this location for twenty-five years. The Foundation acquired the property in 2009.

After a complete renovation, the Foundation and the Town of Matthews partnered and the Matthews Heritage Museum opened in 2013. Showcasing 150 years of Matthews history, it is open to the public Thursday through Saturday. The museum staff hosts tours for School Groups, Scout Troops, Social Clubs, Red Hat Clubs, Retirement and Church Groups. Tour reservations must be made in advance. Please call 704-708-4996 to make arrangements. For more information, see the Matthews Heritage Museum.

In 1999, the Matthews Historical Foundation Board voted to begin a conservation program to incentivize preservation of old downtown properties. The Fullwood Restoration Award was born. Presented annually, or when criteria for the award has been met, to a Matthews property owner who refurbished his home or business. (Click here to see Fullwood Restoration Award Winners.)

In 2007, the Community Meetings began. Open to the public, these programs have grown and often we are faced with standing room only for guests. Our topics are generally local history, although the Civil War is always popular. These programs have helped define the Foundation and the Town. (Click here to see the 2014 Community Meeting Schedule.)

Becoming a member of the Matthews Historical Foundation allows us to continue many of our programs and projects. Please consider becoming a Foundation member. (Click here for membership application.)

As property owners, hosts for educational meetings and events, authoring Matthews Memories, and producing the DVD Matthews Remembered, the Foundation has demonstrated their desire to “preserve the past for the future”.

Paula Lester
President, Matthews Historical Foundation

We welcome your comments. Send us a comment. Your email address will not be published. Email: info@matthewshistoricalfoundation.org