A special message for our Earl Scruggs Center members and friends:
I’m excited to share some important news about a project very close to our hearts. Last year, the Earl Scruggs Center purchased the Earl Scruggs Homeplace—the modest farmhouse where Earl grew up, lived with his mother and siblings, and experienced his famous “I Got It” moment. Over the past year, we’ve been working to carefully to begin restoration of the home, knowing how significant it is both historically and culturally for our community and for the music we celebrate.
The Homeplace tells the story of Earl’s early life—a story that resonates deeply in Cleveland County. Like so many in our community, Earl grew up on a family farm, working the land until high school graduation. He then took a job at Lily Mills in Shelby before leaving in 1945 to pursue music full time.
During those years at the Homeplace, he was shaped by the love and influence of family, friends, and neighbors— roots that helped him become not only a remarkable and celebrated musician, but also a person whose innovative spirit and banjo playing made an indelible mark on American music and the world.
With the help of preservation and construction professionals, we are ensuring that this work is done with care and respect. While we do not yet have a firm completion date, we look forward to the day we can open the doors and welcome visitors to this special place.
Thank you for being part of our mission to preserve and share Earl’s legacy. We can’t wait to bring you more updates as the Homeplace restoration progresses.
Warmly,
Mary Beth Martin
Executive Director
About the Homeplace
Earl Scruggs lived in this house from approximately 1933-1942. These were his formative years—where he first developed the innovative three-finger banjo picking technique that would become known around the world as the “Scruggs Style.” The house itself is typical of a pre-Depression-era farming homestead and offers a unique glimpse into the environment and community that shaped a musical legend.
Property Purchase
In July 2024, the Earl Scruggs Center, with the support of its parent organization, Destination Cleveland County, Inc., purchased the vacant home. Funding to purchase and begin restoration was secured through the General Assembly.
Our Vision
The Center intends to restore the home to reflect the period when Earl and his family lived here. By preserving this site, we aim to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Earl’s roots, his music, and the history of Cleveland County. We are also working toward listing the home on the National Register of Historic Places.
Preservation and Protection
In November 2024, permanent preservation covenants were placed on the home and property, held by Preservation North Carolina. These covenants will protect the site for future generations.
What’s Next?
Careful restoration is underway and will continue in phases over the coming months.
Will it be open to the public?
The timeline for public access is still being determined in consultation with museum and preservation specialists. Potential options include quarterly open days, events, group tours, or visits by appointment.
Our State Magazine feature
Be sure to pick up the September issue of Our State magazine! This special feature article by Mark Kemp shares Earl Scruggs’ remarkable story, highlights the work of the Earl Scruggs Center, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at our restoration of the Earl Scruggs Homeplace. It’s a beautiful tribute to Earl’s legacy and the music, history and community that continue to inspire us today – you won’t want to miss it.
Cover photography by Tim Robison.
Visit ourstate.com to read more, order your copy, or subscribe.
Those Involved in the Project
Homeplace Acquisition & Development Committee
Mary Beth Martin, Executive Director,
Earl Scruggs Center
J.T. Scruggs
Brownie Plaster
Fred Blackley
Roger Holland
Steve Padgett
Consultants
Heather Fearnbach, Fearnbach History Services
Steve Padgett, Restoration Specialist and Contractor, Padgett Construction
Hannah Beckman-Black, Preservation Specialist, State Historic Preservation Office, Asheville
Brett Sturm, Restoration Specialist, State Historic Preservation Office
Jack Thomson, Western Director, Preservation North Carolina
Chris Martin, Cleveland County Planner
Senator Ted Alexander, NC General Assembly
Site Design & Landscaping
Fred Blackley, Landscape Architect
Earl Scruggs Center Board of Directors
Roger Harris, Chair
Jennie Lambert, Past Chair
Mark Hudson
Omar Porter
Chavis Gash
Sallie Craig
J.T. Scruggs
Richard McDevitt
Kristine Urrutia
Daniel Thomas, Mayor of Boiling Springs
Michelle Garey, Chair, Destination Cleveland County
Earl Scruggs Center Staff
Mary Beth Martin, Executive Director
Zach Dressel, Asst. Director & Curator
Jenifer Roberts, Operations Manager
Stephanie Barrett, Operations Coordinator
Cameron Bramlett, Curatorial Assistant and Guest Services
Sandy Smith, Guest Services
Melody Gamble, Volunteer Coordinator
Special Thanks To:
NC Senator Ted Alexander, former NC Speaker of the House Tim Moore, and Representative Kelly Hastings, who advocated and secured funding through the General Assembly to purchase the property and begin this important restoration project in anticipation of our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
The Anthony Family, who sold the property to the Earl Scruggs Center and continue to be supportive neighbors.
Joshua Melton, whose Eagle Scout Project cleared the site and helped identify reusable materials for restoration.
Earl Scruggs family descendants, who generously donated a handwritten notebook of memories by Earl Scruggs himself. These personal recollections will guide the home’s faithful restoration.