A one-of-a-kind museum with two buildings!
The Cardenas Building shares the history of JAARS and how we are covering the last mile of missions.
The Pittman Building tells the history of writing systems, along with stories about modern alphabet makers.
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Cardenas Building

Explore our new exhibits showing why JAARS was founded and how we support mission work in the most remote places on earth. Highlights include airplane and boat models, an antique car, a motorcycle and a "flying” helicopter.

Hours:
‍Tuesday–Saturday, 12:30–3:30 p.m.

Pittman Building

Discover the world's writing systems through hands-­on exhibits. Hear the sounds of Arabic and Cherokee. Learn where our alphabet came from and how translators make alphabets so that Bible translation and literacy work can transform lives.
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Hours:
‍Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Townsend Meditation Garden

The graves of our founder William Cameron Townsend and his wife, Elaine Townsend, are located between the Cardenas Building and the Pittman Building. The meditation garden there provides you with the opportunity to pray, reflect and listen to an audio recording by "Uncle Cam."

Plan Your Visit

Guided Tours

We offer a guided highlights tour of the museum for groups and individuals who'd like to learn even more from our curators. Advance reservations are required by calling 704.843.6066 or emailing us below.

A guided cell phone tour and paper brochure tour are also available when you arrive! And if you'd like to see even more of the JAARS Base, check out our campus tours here.

Check Out Our Campus Tours

For Our Younger Visitors

We are pleased to offer an interactive treasure hunt for our families and preschoolers to make visiting the museum fun for the whole family!

We also recognize that no matter your age, visiting new environments can sometimes be an overwhelming experience. That’s why we've created the This is My Museum booklet using a template from Libraries and Autism to help prepare in advance what to expect when you visit us.

A Sensory-Friendly Journey Through the Museum

Click here to download the This is My Museum booklet.

What will you see? What will you hear? Will the exhibits come alive in the night?

Come experience fun and excitement as you find out what happens at The Alphabet Museum at night after the museum is closed. Start your adventure on select Friday evenings at 6:45 p.m. in the Cardenas Building.
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‍Recommended for ages 8 and up. Suggested donation of $5 for adults.

Register Now
What are the museum's hours?
Pittman Building: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

‍Cardenas Building: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:30–3:30 p.m.

‍Both Museums: Closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday and Easter weekend, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Special holiday hours on Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas week.
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Please also check our Facebook page for the latest on closures, special events and more.
How much do museum tours cost?
Both buildings are free! Donations are greatly appreciated.
Where are the two museum buildings located?
Cardenas Building
6403 Davis Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173

Pittman Building
6409 Davis Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173

Get Directions

Have More Questions?

Call us at 704.843.6066, or send an email below. We look forward to connecting with you! 
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