In previous years, the Shelton House and the museum stood as both a testament to the Shelton family, one of the early, settler families of Haywood County, and to crafters — Native American and heritage artisans. The building was the first property in Haywood County to receive designation on the National Register of Historic Places.

This year the museum has added its handsome, frame barn to the tour along with a wide and varied collection of antique farm implements. As a result, the museum is listed in Buy Haywood’s 2014 Agritourism Guide. It also stands out for being recognized this year as a designated Craft Heritage site, Cherokee Heritage site and Agriculture Heritage site in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

“In the past year, we’ve learned so much about the artifacts we have housed and displayed for decades. Visitors may be astonished to find that part of our collection consists of nationally significant Southwestern Native American artifacts, particularly Navajo artifacts,” said Malinda Messer, operations manager. “In addition, we expect folks to be just as excited as we are about our new barn displays which include antique farm tools and a century old milking room.”

The museum will conduct tours of the house and barn, its artifacts and crafts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays until Oct. 31. The barn and the grounds can be rented for events and gatherings. Special group tours of the museum can also be scheduled.

“Along with the main event room, we have set up a banquet room for buffet and drink tables behind the event room to maximize space. A dessert table or wet bar can be accommodated,” noted Jackie Stephens, curator at the museum.