Operation Veterans' History

A 3,500-pound navy submarine anchor stands sentry to a unique little museum in the mountains. Inside, the military memorabilia gets even more interesting, from a Korean War infrared sniper scope to a 1952 Willys Jeep.

The Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas opened in 2017 to honor veterans and preserve U.S. military history, sharing artifacts and tales from WWI to today and conducting tours for local schools and seniors. “Many military museums concentrate on particular battles or events, but we share about the individuals who fought,” says curator Bobby Kotlowski, who retired as a sergeant major after 30 years in the Marines. The Brevard-based operation is manned primarily by veterans. “Our volunteers have a real sense of history and want to tell of those who served. They’re the true stewards of this museum.” Many exhibited artifacts, including weapons, vehicles, uniforms, and more, were donated by families, and each comes with a personalized story.

Their newest showcase looks at the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only Black women’s battalion in World War II, “responsible for the Herculean task of dispersing mail to the European Theater,” says Kotlowski. The museum also maintains a research library for residents and local colleges and partners with like-minded museums, such as South Carolina’s Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

Growing their collection of artifacts, dioramas, and replicas within the 5,500 square feet of the former Transylvania County Library has become challenging, though, so the team is now seeking a larger location.

Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas
21 East Main St., Brevard; Tues-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m., (828) 884-2141, www.theveteransmuseum.org