We are pleased to announce the addition of a new collection of documents, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Stanley Bach, noted congressional and parliamentary scholar.

The Bach Collection consists of documents of the Watergate Era, including hearings and other publications of the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities.

This large collection of documents is available for viewing and research for visitors to the Ervin Library and Museum.  Limited scanning and/or photocopying is available for some of these documents.

If you would like to know more about this collection or have any questions, please contact any of the staff of the Ervin Library and Museum.

A new exhibit, “You are Cordially Invited. . .A Glimpse into the Social, Official and Diplomatic Scene of Washington, DC” is now at the Senator Sam J. Ervin Library and Museum at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton.  This exhibit features memorabilia from White House dinners, invitations to official and social events and other rare “trappings” of Washington social life.  Included are short profiles of some of the most influential people of the twentieth century. 

 We invite you to visit the museum to see what might be on the menu when you dine at the White House, how one prepares for a visit from Queen Elizabeth II, how First Ladies are honored and what you can expect from the White House at Christmas time!

Senator Sam Statue Dedication

The museum was proud to play a role in the dedication of the unveiling of the Senator Sam statue at the Old Courthouse in Morganton on Monday, May 23, 2007.   After the festivities there, the premier of the presentation "Just a Country Lawyer" was held here at the college. 

At a reception, visitors could view this presentation, enjoy light refreshments and tour the newly renovated facilities. 

Make plans now to visit both the Old Courthouse and our Museum. 

We have recently completed a 20 minute presentation on the life of Senator Sam.  This presentation follows him from childhood through retirement with a particular emphasis on the Watergate Era.  Using audio and video clips, narration and music, this new addition to our museum will enhance your visit. 

For those too young to remember Senator Sam, it is a great learning tool about one of North Carolina's most important historical figures.

Visit the museum soon.  We will be happy to arrange special tours for groups and school groups.

If you have not visited the museum lately, you will want to come by and take another look!  The folks at Western Piedmont College have been busy renovating and making additions to the Museum.  This has been a real in-house team effort.  The college's Interior Design Students, under the direction of instructor Anne Williams, created  the concepts for the changes and additions and have been busy rearranging photos and displays.  The tireless Maintenance Department of WPCC carried out the construction, painting and moving.

All of this hard work has paid off with enhanced and more numerous displays, an expanded entrance area and the creation of the Ervin Reading Room for visitors to examine the collection at their leisure.