Hidden gems shine at Cowan Museum

In the historic district of Kenansville lies an amazing collection of historical artifacts, inspirational science exhibits, and much more. It is the Cowan Museum of History and Science.

The history of where the museum is now housed and how it came to be is as fascinating as the exhibits it contains. Situated between the home of the town’s founding father, James Kenan, known as Liberty Hall, and Kenan Park, the Cowan Museum fits right into the architecture of Liberty Hall and looks like it has always been there. However, the Cowan Museum building was a home located in another Kenansville location and was moved into its current location in the mid-1980s. It was originally the home of the local Farrior family.

The founders of the museum were George and Ila Cowan. The Cowans had a daughter named Joanne. When she was only 30 years old, Joanne died in an automobile accident. Her parents, devastated by her loss, knew that not long before her death, she had asked to find a classic Edison phonograph player for her home. The Cowans located an Edison player and purchased it in memory of their daughter. That triggered a lifelong desire to collect various artifacts, no doubt a way to honor their daughter and deal with her loss.

One of the rooms inside the museum, known as the Music Room, houses that Edison phonograph player. Knowing why the player was acquired by the Cowans makes seeing it in person even more meaningful than just knowing the history of its famous inventor, Thomas Edison.

Duplin Journal received a tour of the museum and the grounds from museum director Robin Grotke. Her love of the collection in the museum, as well as her continued research of some of the items, is obvious. In fact, it inspired her to write and illustrate a book, A Museum’s Garden: Secrets, Wonder and Delights.

Grotke herself works in the garden on the grounds of the museum. The book contains interesting facts and colorful illustrations about the plants, as well as the insects and the birds that frequent the garden.

Inside the Cowan Museum, in addition to the music room which houses much more than just the Edison phonograph player, there are rooms with historic artifacts, including items ranging from an old typewriter to a large manually operated cash register one would find in old general stores as far back as the 1800s.

One of the most popular rooms in the museum is dedicated to geology. There is an impressive collection of rocks and even dinosaur bones. Adults and children alike are amazed at several of the exhibits in the rock room, including a large backlit display of sliced rocks that make a colorful addition to the back wall. George Cowan himself owned a rock slicer that was used in obtaining the rock samples.

Another popular exhibit is a collection of fluorescent rocks that contains a light switch underneath with the instructions to count to three and cut the switch off. It turns off the overhead light in the room revealing a glowing display of rocks all powered by nature.

On the grounds of the museum is a collection of restored structures, including an old schoolhouse and a combination post office and general store. In addition to the botanical garden, there is a fenced area at the back of the grounds that is home to several beehives.

It is impossible to do justice to the Cowan Museum of History and Science in one newspaper article. It’s something that has to be seen and explored in person to appreciate, and young and old alike are always impressed when they walk in the door.

Grotke and her small staff love showing visitors the hidden gems of the museum.

Battista Bennett, the museum’s STEM educator, said the people factor is her favorite part of the job.

“I love connecting,” she said. “And I love hearing their stories.”

A great time to visit the museum will be on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the museum hosts ecoBLAST: Green & Wild, a celebration of plants and animals found in the state. In addition to live animals, plants and educational activities, there will be a food truck and ice cream for sale. Admission is free.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.