About the MHA

The Mecklenburg Historical Association is dedicated to preserving and publicizing the history of Mecklenburg County through publications, special research groups and promoting the educational mission of historic organizations throughout the Charlotte Metropolitan (Metrolina) Area.  It was founded in 1954 and is the successor to several similar organizations dating to 1875.

The MHA, and its predecessor organization the Mecklenburg Historical Society, have promoted scholarship and research by publishing or assisting with publishing several monographs.

  • Blackwelder, Ruth, and A H. Dunlap. Old Charlotte and Old Mecklenburg Today. Charlotte, N.C.: Mecklenburg Historical Association, 1973. Print.
  • Davidson, Chalmers G. Cloud Over Catawba. Mecklenburg Historical Society, 1949. Print.
  • Davidson, Chalmers G. The Plantation World Around Davidson. Davidson, N.C: Briarpatch Press, 1982. Print.
  • Frew, Davidson S, and Karen M. MacConnell. A Life in Antebellum Charlotte: The Private Journal of Sarah F. Davidson, 1837. Charleston, SC: History Press, 2005.
  • Henderson, Archibald. Cradle of Liberty. Charlotte, N.C.: Pound & Moore Co., 1955. Print.
  • King, Victor C. Story of the Origin of the City of Charlotte. , 1954. Print.
  • King, Victor C. Lives and Times of the 27 Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence of May 20, 1775: Pioneers Extraordinary. , 1956. Print.
  • McNitt, Virgil V. Chain of Error, and the Mecklenburg Declarations of Independence: A New Study of Manuscripts: Their Use, Abuse, and Neglect. Charlotte, N.C: Mecklenburg Historical Association, 1996. Print.
  • Wheeler, John H. The Lives and Characters of the Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, of the 20th of May, 1775. Charlotte: Observer Book and Job Power Press Print, 1875

The MHA has also supported the establishment of a number of historic sites including

  • Historic Latta Plantation
  • Hugh Torrance House and Store
  • The Museum of the New South (now the Levine Museum of the New South)

The MHA carries out its mission and implements its goals of supporting the history community through research, resource sharing, publications, living history interpretation, and promoting the educational initiatives of local area historical organizations.  Sign up to receive our newsletter and monthly calendar to receive information about history related educational programs, lectures, workshops, and special events in our area.

The MHA is not a genealogical society, but we can refer you to local organizations and independent researchers that serve that purpose.