Beyond 1842 launches website
Project aims to preserve McDowell County history
The Beyond 1842 Project is launching a website to archive McDowell County history.
The website, www.beyond1842.org is live, "marking an exciting milestone in the ongoing effort to preserve the rich history and lived experiences of McDowell County through oral histories and community archives," a news release from The Beyond 1842 Project said.
Supported by an America 250 NC grant through the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Beyond 1842 Project is dedicated to documenting the voices, memories and photographs of the people who have shaped McDowell County. The project focuses on collecting oral history interviews with everyday citizens, ensuring that the stories of families, workers, veterans, educators, business owners, community leaders and lifelong residents are preserved for future generations, according to the release.
The website serves as a digital archive where visitors can learn about McDowell, explore collected materials and find opportunities to participate. As an ongoing initiative, Beyond 1842 will continue conducting interviews and accepting historical and contemporary photographs throughout the coming year, with new content added as the archive expands.
"Our community's history is more than dates and events — it's the personal stories, experiences, and photographs that capture what life has been like in McDowell County," Program Director Jordan Laney said. "This project is about preserving those voices so future generations can better understand the people and communities that have made McDowell County what it is today."
Community members of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate by sharing their stories, family histories and photographs. A member of the project's team can interview you, or you can interview friends and family members using the project's software with a simple login process. People interested in participating can reach out to Coordinator Candice Workman for more information, according to the news release.
Every contribution helps build a more complete and inclusive record of McDowell County's past and present.
"Our hope is to continue to partner with organizations, churches, and communities in order to host more community days," Workman said. "On April 25, 2026, we were able to host a Memory Day for the East Marion, Clinchfield and Stumptown communities."
For interview requests or to learn more about participating, contact Workman at candice.workman@ mcdowellnc.gov.
For additional information about the Beyond 1842 project, contact Laney at beyond1842@gmail.com.
