THE LEGACY PROJECT
DIGNITY OF WORK EXHIBITION~ JAN. 2023
This major historical exhibition of museum quality, addresses the rise and apex of the textile, hosiery, and furniture manufacturing in Burke County and offers some insight into the thousands of women and men who worked in them. Its focus is unique in that it will provide a perspective from the Burke County citizens. Their stories as mill and factory workers will bring to light their best hopes and aspirations for their families and their communities via historical photographs, sounds of the factories, and voices of the workers.
DIGNITY OF WORK MONUMENT
Coming in the Spring of 2023, on the grounds of the History Museum of Burke County, a permanent iconic monument, the Dignity of Work, will be installed to pay homage to the Mill Workers of Burke County. The Workers’ Legacy Sculptures, three vignettes representing the textile, furniture, and hosiery industries, will bring a spotlight to these hard-working people and through interpretive signage, insight into Burke County’s mill history will also be shared.
WORKER TESTIMONIES
Mill Worker Stories recorded in their own words are made available for public access online through www.workerslegacyexhibition.org, Because this is an ongoing oral history project, we invite anyone to participate who has firsthand knowledge of these experiences.This unique storytelling style will illustrate the intangible past and we hope will connect with contemporary audiences for years to come.
MARY H. WARLICK COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
This program, sponsored by Jim Warlick, has been established at Western Piedmont Community College. It will provide annual scholarships for first-generation college-educated students in their pursuit of an Associate's Degree.
