2010-05 Sheltoh House Museum of NC Handicrafts

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

We visited a delightful museum in Waynesville - The Shelton House Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts.  It resides in the Shelton House built in 1875 by Stephen Jehu Shelton.  The house contains art works, handicrafts, and furniture made predominantly  by North Carolinians.  Pieces date from the late 1800’s to the present.

We had an excellent tour conducted by Jackie, this lovely lady who became the curator several years ago after she retired. 

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Jackie explained that when she arrived everything was just placed on shelves with little organization.  She and a friend took everything down, washed much of it, and then placed it in groupings on the floor.  Then they carefully arranged everything into organized and attractive displays.  It was a real labor of love, and they have created an excellent museum - perhaps as well done as any we have visited.

We were surprised by the first room we visited.  It had many native Indian exhibits.  Local Cherokee baskets and other crafts were beautiful and would be expected in a museum honoring NC Craftsmen and women. 

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

The surprise was the number of Navajo and other western Indian artifacts. 

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

The reason is that Mr. Shelton’s son, William T. Shelton, was the very well regarded  first Superintendent on the Navajo Reservation.  After retirement he came back home to live in Waynesville.  Thus the museum has a number of beautiful Navajo and other western Indian baskets, rugs, jewelry, clothing and other artifacts.

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Rooms are open throughout the house with other wonderful art and crafts on display including:

Quilts:

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Pottery:

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Dolls:

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Beautiful stained glass:

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Wood-burning:

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Dollhouses with furniture

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Gorgeous hand carved wooden bowl

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Clay storage jugs

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

and milking churns:

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Furniture like this unique bed made by the craftsman who built the house:

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

Or this dining table and chairs. Also note the centerpiece of flowers made from tiny glass beads delicately strung together.

From 2010-05 NC Museum of Handcrafts at the Shelton House

This tour was a real treat, and we plan to go back with friends. It is a shame that more people do not visit. It is well worth your time if you are visiting Waynesville.