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Listen as American author, Jan Karon, takes you on a journey—from her childhood in Hudson, North Carolina, to the creation of the beloved Mitford novels and now, The Mitford Museum.

A Museum With A Mission.

When you visit the museum you come home to Mitford, the little town with the big heart. But more than that, you become part of an extended family dedicated to our missional work of advancing the common good through literacy, creativity, and community. Our nonprofit projects and programs include:

My Beloved Launch October 3-4, 2025

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime chance to be part of the release of Jan’s 15th Mitford novel. The two-day event will include an Appalachian mountain music concert, local NC BBQ, and Jan celebrating the publication of My Beloved. Tickets go on sale in June.

Mitford Discovery Center

Jan’s vision for the Mitford Discovery Center includes a hands-on workshop and art space, traveling museum exhibitions, and the Mitford Oral History Library. Help us bring the Center out of the ground as we launch the next chapter of the Mitford story.

Summer Reading Program

We partner with the Caldwell County Schools summer lunch program to put books in the hands of children. Our goal is to help mitigate summer learning losses while instilling a love of reading.

Candace Freeland Photography of Merit Award

Acclaimed photographer Candace Freeland, Jan
Karon’s daughter, gave the founding gift for this award. Photographers up to age 18 enter cellphone images to be judged by distinguished jurors.

GetLit! Literary Lab

Held in September, GetLit! inspires, encourages, and empowers writers. The event bring in New York Times bestselling authors to lead workshops. We also offer writing competitions and scholarships for NC students and teachers.

Mitford Oral History Library

Our oral history library partners with StoryCorps to capture and record the stories of our communities. Recordings are archived at the museum and the Library of Congress. Come make your free recording today!

SUPPORT

Support the museum’s mission to advance the common good through literacy, creativity, and community.

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Shop Happy Endings Bookstore where it’s all Mitford all the time.

WATCH

View an invitation to visit Jan Karon’s Mitford Museum.

North Carolina’s Newest Literary Landmark.

We’re located in the Hudson Arts Center, a former schoolhouse where #1 New York Times bestselling author, Jan Karon, attended grades 1-7.

Discover how a little country girl from the then-cotton mill town of Hudson wrote her first book at age ten—and later wrote 25 bestsellers, including 15 beloved Mitford novels.  See a hat and a rabbit that inspired two of Jan’s bestselling books for children. Learn what makes teachers live on in the hearts of students. Open the drawers of Jan’s writing desk to find personal letters, notes, and mementos. Hear her tell us how to write a book (you can do it!).

Exhibits include Cynthia’s wedding outfit, Father Tim’s vestments, Miss Rose’s military medals, and our extensive collection of Hallmark Mitford collectibles.

Best for last. We can’t wait to show you the actual Nativity scene featured in Jan’s beloved novel, Shepherds Abiding. Visitors from all 50 states say it’s worth the trip.

Please visit soon. We promise you’ll love how it feels to be at home in Mitford.

ADMISSION – Adults $10 – Seniors $9 – Students $7 – Children 12 and under free with adult admission – Groups of 10 or more admitted for $7/pp.

Jan Karon, founder of The Mitford Museum, and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 25 books, including 15 Mitford novels. To learn more about Jan and her writing, visit Inventing Mitford: The Papers of Jan Karon online.

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Wed - Sat 10 AM - 4 PM

145 Cedar Valley Road
Hudson, NC 28638

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Bookstore (828) 572-1511

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The Mitford Museum

The Mitford Museum is North Carolina’s newest literary landmark.

Founded by #1 New York Times bestselling author, Jan Karon, the museum's mission is to advance the common good through literacy, creativity, and community. Often called Jan’s ‘book without covers,’ the museum is a place of common ground, where people from varied backgrounds can come together to feel welcomed, cared for, and at home.

(828) 572-1511

Wed - Sat 10 AM - 4 PM

145 Cedar Valley Road
Hudson, NC 28638