The Charlotte Museum of History

Member Spotlight: Charlie Nau

The mission of the Charlotte Museum of History is to share “the stories of the Charlotte region from settlement forward through exhibits and programs.” Charlie Nau is not from the Charlotte region, nor is his family. In fact, Charlie lives in Montana, but he has been a member of the museum for many years.

Mr. Nau’s first trip to Charlotte was in 2001 when he came with a friend to attend the NASCAR races. During a free day prior to the races, they sought out Charlotte points of interest and came upon the museum. Having been a history teacher, Charlie recounted, “I loved the exhibits and developed a real fascination with the ‘Rock House.’ I had no plans to return [to Charlotte] so I just enjoyed the initial visit and tour [of the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite].”

The following year Charlie returned to the races with a different group of friends whom he had told about his previous visit to Charlotte. While in town, he revisited the museum and again enjoyed the tour of the house and the museum’s exhibit offerings. It was then that he met Jackson Hendricks, Visitors Services Assistant for the museum. Charlie recalled that Jackson, “spent time with me explaining the mission of the museum and all of the information surrounding it. I believed in what you guys were trying to accomplish and thought, ‘why not support the cause with a membership, even though I didn't know that I would ever return?’ All of the folks that I have met that are part of the museum personnel over the years have been warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and excited about what they are a part of there. Who wouldn't want to join and be part of that?!”

When asked to explain what he loves about the museum, Charlie said “I guess I have developed a 'kinship' with your museum as it calls to me to return each year. Being a builder, I find fascination with the old house and with each visit I see something new that catches my eye. Charlie Pride once sang a song about "if this old house could talk, oh what a story," and I believe the Rock House’s [story] could be one of great interest! Over the years I have enjoyed sitting out in the garden along side of the house enjoying the warmth of the fall sun and fall colors while reading a book in the quiet solitude.”

On his most recent trip to Charlotte and the museum this fall, Meredith Olan, former Director of Community Relations, took Mr. Nau on a behind the scenes tour of the homesite, explaining previous restoration efforts, as well as upcoming plans for the grant funding the museum had just received from the Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation. Regarding his future plans to visit the museum, Charlie noted “I never know till spring whether I get to make another trip. All I can say is to keep up the good work. It is a great service that you are providing there. Continue to encourage your youth and folks in your area to learn about their history. Your museum provides a great place to see and learn about the area that is so rich in history over the last several centuries.”

The museum certainly hopes to see Charlie again next fall, and is proud to have his membership support.


	Member Spotlight: Charlie Nau The mission of the Charlotte Museum of History is to share “the stories of the Charlotte region from settlement forward through exhibits and programs.” Charlie Nau is not from the Charlotte region, nor is his family. In fact, Charlie lives in Montana, but he has been a member of the museum for many years. Mr. Nau’s first trip to Charlotte was in 2001 when he came with a friend to attend the NASCAR races. During a free day prior to the races, they sought out Charlotte points of interest and came upon the museum. Having been a history teacher, Charlie recounted, “I loved the exhibits and developed a real fascination with the ‘Rock House.’ I had no plans to return [to Charlotte] so I just enjoyed the initial visit and tour [of the Hezekiah Alexander Homesite].” The following year Charlie returned to the races with a different group of friends whom he had told about his previous visit to Charlotte. While in town, he revisited the museum and again enjoyed the tour of the house and the museum’s exhibit offerings. It was then that he met Jackson Hendricks, Visitors Services Assistant for the museum. Charlie recalled that Jackson, “spent time with me explaining the mission of the museum and all of the information surrounding it. I believed in what you guys were trying to accomplish and thought, ‘why not support the cause with a membership, even though I didn't know that I would ever return?’ All of the folks that I have met that are part of the museum personnel over the years have been warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and excited about what they are a part of there. Who wouldn't want to join and be part of that?!” When asked to explain what he loves about the museum, Charlie said “I guess I have developed a 'kinship' with your museum as it calls to me to return each year. Being a builder, I find fascination with the old house and with each visit I see something new that catches my eye. Charlie Pride once sang a song about "if this old house could talk, oh what a story," and I believe the Rock House’s [story] could be one of great interest! Over the years I have enjoyed sitting out in the garden along side of the house enjoying the warmth of the fall sun and fall colors while reading a book in the quiet solitude.” On his most recent trip to Charlotte and the museum this fall, Meredith Olan, former Director of Community Relations, took Mr. Nau on a behind the scenes tour of the homesite, explaining previous restoration efforts, as well as upcoming plans for the grant funding the museum had just received from the Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation. Regarding his future plans to visit the museum, Charlie noted “I never know till spring whether I get to make another trip. All I can say is to keep up the good work. It is a great service that you are providing there. Continue to encourage your youth and folks in your area to learn about their history. Your museum provides a great place to see and learn about the area that is so rich in history over the last several centuries.” The museum certainly hopes to see Charlie again next fall, and is proud to have his membership support.