CHERRYVILLE, N.C. — The Cherryville Historical Museum is a staple in the Gaston County community, holding artifacts sacred to the city's history. 

But some neighbors are expressing major concerns about the future of this museum after learning the Main Street building could be sold. 

What You Need To Know

  •  The Cherryville Historical Museum is a staple in the Gaston County community 

  •  City leaders are accepting bids for the building housing the museum 

  •  Some neighbors are expressing concerns about the future of the museum if the building is sold 

The City of Cherryville recently announced it received a $400,000 offer from Cherryville Main Street LLC to purchase the museum building. 

During the June 12 council meeting, city leaders voted to accept the offer and proceed with the upset bid process. 

In a statement, city manager Brian Dalton confirmed bids will be accepted up until 5 p.m. July 3.

"Anyone has the right to bid on the museum if they bid the minimum amount, $420,050, and include 5% of their bid amount as a deposit," Dalton said. 

Cherryville Historical Association President Al Putnam says their organization is against any sale of the museum building. 

"I'm very upset about it, it's not preserving history," Putnam said.

Putnam was born and raised in Cherryville. He returned back to the city after starting retirement.

"It's been great to be back and serve my community in the historical realm of things," Putnam said.

Putnam says part of preserving his city's history includes safe keeping the Cherryville Historical Museum. 

The building itself was built in 1911. It used to serve many purposes, including being a fire department, police department, courtroom, jail and city hall building. 

The museum building is three floors filled with exhibits. 

Putnam says Cherryville's history is embedded everywhere in the building, including on the walls.

He says removing artifacts and leaving behind a structure telling Cherryville's stories will harm efforts they're making to protect the museum's history. 

"If you sell this building, where will all these artifacts go, because they are the building," Putnam said. 

Spectrum News 1 received this statement from the city in response to the association's concerns: 

"I can assure you that the council has all intentions in making sure that the Historical Museum has a location going forward. There will be a Cherryville historic museum, whether it’s in the current building or an alternate location," Dalton said. 

Spectrum News 1 has also reached out to to learn more about Cherryville Main Street LLC's intentions for the museum building. We are waiting for a response. 

Spectrum News 1 will continue following this story for additional updates.