Iris Thompson Chapman, a professor emerita in the Department of English, is helping to lead the effort to reopen the Mebane Historical Museum on Saturday, January 23, in Mebane.
The museum closed its doors in August 2008 for extensive renovation and remodeling and will officially re-open with a reception and a new photographic exhibit from 2-4 p.m. In addition to the exhibit opening, the afternoon will include catered refreshments and entertainment featuring the fiddling and singing of world-acclaimed Mebane resident, Joe Thompson, and the best in roots, rhythm and world music by the ensemble Mebanesville.
The inaugural exhibit will feature selected photos, primarily from the 1930s and 40s, that tell the story of Mebane’s early prosperity and growth, including work by WPA photographers Dorothea Lange and Marion Post Wolcott.
Chapman has served on the board of the Mebane Historical Society since its chartering in 2001. She wrote and produced the award-winning documentary film about her elder musical cousin, Joe Thompson, titled “Steel Driving Man: the Life and Times of Joseph Aquilla Thompson.” The museum collection includes a sophisticated kiosk exhibit about Thompson and his music, including images and scenes from Chapman’s 28-minute film.
The Mebane Historical Museum is located at 210 West Lee Street in Mebane. For more information, call 919.563.5054.