The Alphabet Museum at JAARS, Waxhaw

About The Alphabet Museum at JAARS

The Alphabet Museum at JAARS in Waxhaw comprises two buildings exploring writing systems and missionary work. The Cardenas Building displays exhibits about JAARS's mission history, featuring airplane and boat models, an antique car, a motorcycle, and a helicopter model. The Pittman Building offers hands-on exhibits about the world's writing systems, where visitors hear sounds of Arabic and Cherokee, learn the origins of alphabets, and discover how translators create writing systems for Bible translation and literacy work. A meditation garden between the buildings honors the organization's founder William Cameron Townsend and his wife. Guided tours led by museum curators are available by advance reservation. Cell phone tours and paper brochures assist self-guided visits. An interactive treasure hunt engages families and preschoolers, while a downloadable preparatory guide helps visitors with sensory sensitivities. A gift shop sells JAARS merchandise and global ethnic items, and a café serves lunch on weekdays.