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The Town of Drakes Branch is making strides to keep its history alive. Beginning this week, repairs will be underway at the Drakes Branch Museum.

According to Town Mayor Phillip Jackson, repairs to the building are needed to stop water intrusion that would damage exhibits, including many bound volumes of The Charlotte Gazette, which citizens can view and scan over 150 years of history. 

“Vegetation attached to the wall has put roots into the lime mortar used in earlier masonry construction that allows water to intrude,” said Jackson. “The lower section requires the replacement of some sheathing, flashing and shingles, and the roof-mounted HVAC needs a drain line to carry water over the edge and off the roof.” 

According to town documents, repairs for the building are listed at $9,800.

The Drakes Branch Museum opened around 2005 when a medical clinic vacated the building to relocate its office to Charlotte Court House.

Museum exhibits highlight the railroad, tobacco markets, industries, churches, schools, and farms that contributed to the area’s development. The museum is open on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to noon and will remain open during repairs. 

In addition to repairs to the museum, town officials plan to repair the Drakes Branch Ladies Club Building in the near future. 

“This is just one more step in Drakes Branch becoming the place to be,” said Jackson.