MISSION STATEMENT
The Heritage Center preserves the history and material culture of Johnston County for the educational benefit of its citizens and visitors; and it promotes the understanding of and appreciation for its past through interpretive exhibits, programs, and publications.
ORGANIZATION
Created in February 1997, the Heritage Center is a department of Johnston County Government, administered by a managing director employed by the county manager and advised by an 18-member Heritage Commission appointed by the County Commissioners. Taxpayers of the County of Johnston provide funding for operations, including personnel, utilities, and maintenance of the building and equipment. Other expenses, including program development and acquisitions, are funded by donations and grants.
| HISTORIC HOME BASE
The Heritage Center opened its doors to the public on April 15, 2000 in the completely renovated former home office of First Citizens Bank in the heart of Downtown Smithfield, North Carolina. The new location has space for exhibits, secure artifact storage, and expansion of the widely acclaimed Johnston County Room collection of local history and genealogy that was previously housed in the Public Library of Johnston County and Smithfield.
LOCATION & PARKING
The Heritage Center stands on the northwest corner of Market (US 70 Business) and Third streets in Smithfield. Two-hour parking is allowed along adjacent streets. Free all-day parking is available in nearby off-street lots, the largest of which sits behind the Public Library on the east side of North Third Street.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The center is open FREE OF ADMISSION CHARGE 9:00-5:00 Monday-Saturday. The center closes for holidays observed by the County of Johnston, including Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.
PHONE NUMBER, MAILING ADDRESSES
Our phone number is 919-934-2836. Our postal address is PO Box 2709, Smithfield, NC 27577. Our delivery address is 241 E. Market Street. Our e-mail address is heritagecenter@johnstonnc.com .
STAFF
click on names in bold type for e-mail links
DIRECTOR
Wingate Lassiter (phone direct at 919-938-4708)
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Joyce Mitchell
READING ROOM ASSISTANTS
Becky Owens
Mike Watts
Sandra Broome
EXHIBIT HALL HOSTS
Lucy Washington
Margo Allsbrook
Michelle Watson | 
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