Earl Scruggs Center, Shelby

About Earl Scruggs Center

The Earl Scruggs Center celebrates the musical and cultural heritage of Cleveland County through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and live performances. Visitors explore the life and legacy of legendary banjo master Earl Scruggs and discover the region's rich roots music traditions. The center's long-term exhibits and rotating special exhibitions, including Voices of the Frontier about the Catawba Nation, offer self-guided tours ideal for individuals, families, classes, and groups. The center hosts live music events such as the Roots Music Revue and the Earl Scruggs Music Festival, which showcase bluegrass, Americana, and roots music. Educational programs include presentations on Catawba history and cultural heritage. Group tours accommodate classes and organizations, with bus parking available by advance arrangement. The center is located in the restored 1907 Cleveland County Courthouse in downtown Shelby, North Carolina, a few miles from Earl Scruggs' birthplace in Flint Hill. The museum publishes admission prices online and is open Tuesday through Saturday.