The World Methodist Museum, a ministry of the World Methodist Council, continues to share the story of Methodism and its founder John Wesley. Located in Western North Carolina, USA the museum houses hundreds of busts, paintings and lithographs; Staffordshire pottery, a 50-volume Christian Library edited by John Wesley with The First edition printed in 1749-1755; original letters by Wesley, the World Federation of Women’s special exhibit and much more. Many of the museum’s visitors are surprised to find the wealth of information and artifacts depicting the story of early Methodism and its spread throughout the globe.
In recent surveys, 96% of those visiting the Museum said they were there for the first time. Of those, 100% said the Museum information was clear and helpful and 96% were either very satisfied or satisfied with their experience. Several visitors this year alone have been from countries other than the United States.
Learning about Wesley’s boyhood teaching, his role in English society and viewing his letters and work of literature are part of the Museum’s programs. As the season of Lent has begun, Confirmation groups and groups on spiritual retreats have scheduled visits to the museum.
“’Knowing who we are and whose we are’ is more than a slogan” explains Museum Director Jackie Bolden. “The saying helps those active in their spiritual formation to be able to stay grounded despite the troubles and inhumanity inflicted by the peoples of the world. May it not always be this way.”
The World Methodist Museum is vital to the continued story-telling of the Methodist heritage. If you would like to know more about the museum visit methodistmuseum.org and facebook.com/worldmethodistmuseum. If you would like to ensure the story of Methodism will continue being told for generations to come, please consider a gift to the World Methodist Museum. Contact Jackie Bolden at firstname.lastname@example.org.