Banner House opens June 19

Last August, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Huizenga offered the Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation an exciting challenge.

The Huizengas pledged $100,000 in funds to be matched by other donations, enough to pay off the mortgage on the Banner House Museum.

The board of directors quickly accepted the challenge, launching a vigorous fundraising campaign. By the end of the year, organizations, businesses, foundations and many individuals throughout the area had rallied to accomplish the ambitious goal, and the mortgage necessary to purchase and renovate the Samuel Banner House was retired.

A ceremonial burning of the mortgage will be held on opening day, Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as the unveiling of the museum's new exhibit, "Mountain Heritage: Medicine, Education, Tools and Tourism at the Turn of the Century."

Interested parties are invited to visit for museum tours, music, barbecue and the mortgage burning, celebrated with a cake and the presentation of the plaque honoring all contributors. Everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information, call (828) 898-3634, visit http://www.bannerhousemuseum.org.