Mooresville’s own Andy Poore is more than just the town’s historian and archivist—he is the keeper of its stories, the curator of its past, and a passionate advocate for preserving the community’s rich history. With over 20 years of experience in archival work, Andy has dedicated his career to connecting the past with the present in meaningful ways, making history accessible to everyone in Mooresville and beyond.
Andy’s love for history began early, sparked by his visits to his maternal grandparents in Florida. His grandmother, who had a deep appreciation for museums, would take him to the Florida Museum at the University of Florida, where she shared the wonders of history with him. Little did he know that these formative experiences would set the stage for his future career.
When he began his undergraduate studies at UNC Charlotte, Andy enrolled in the Museum Studies program, which ultimately led to his passion for museum collections and archives. After earning his first master’s degree in history/public history, he worked as the director of the Iredell Museums before taking a job at the Mooresville Public Library in 2005 to create the town’s first local history and archives room.
In 2022, Andy earned his second master’s degree, this time in library science with a focus on archives. His formal education, combined with countless classes, workshops, and years of hands-on experience, has allowed him to build a comprehensive understanding of the preservation of history. He also earned his Arrangement and Description certification from the Society of American Archivists, further deepening his expertise.
Andy’s days are far from typical. One moment he might be helping a researcher uncover a genealogical mystery, and the next he might be arranging, cataloging, or digitizing fragile historical items for future generations. His primary focus, however, is on the preservation of Mooresville’s historical collections—making sure that the stories they tell are accessible to today’s community and to future generations.
As someone who has lived in Mooresville his entire life, Andy finds it especially rewarding to share the town’s history with newcomers or schoolchildren. One of the most gratifying parts of his job is helping people connect with their personal histories or preserving their unique collections. Whether he’s advising someone on how to properly care for an old photograph or finding the perfect home for a local artifact, Andy is always eager to lend a helping hand.
A pivotal moment in Andy’s career came when he was appointed to the North Carolina State Historical Records Advisory Board in recognition of his work in archives and preservation. The board’s mission is to assist with the planning and preservation of historical records throughout the state, and Andy views his appointment as both an honor and an opportunity to give back. It’s a chance to help advocate for the preservation of historical records at the state level, and it’s exciting to be part of a board that values the preservation of history across North Carolina.
Despite the prestige of serving on this board, Andy’s focus remains on Mooresville’s local history. He values the role the community plays in supporting the library’s archives. It’s vital to involve the community in preserving history, and they encourage people to donate items they find in their family collections and help fill in the gaps in the historical knowledge of the town. From social media campaigns to public talks, Andy is always encouraging people to contribute to the archives in whatever way they can.
In his research, Andy is always eager to uncover new aspects of Mooresville’s history—particularly when the stories are less than straightforward. Growing up, he always heard about John Moore’s contributions to the town, but as he dug deeper into the historical records, he discovered that the truth was much more complex—and more fascinating—than what he had been told. It’s moments like these that fuel Andy’s curiosity and deepen his appreciation for the nuances of history.
Some of his most memorable experiences come from working with individuals who are on their own journey to uncover their roots. One woman from Georgia reached out to Andy after struggling to locate the graves of her grandparents in Willow Valley Cemetery. With a little research, Andy uncovered the unmarked graves and discovered that the couple had been too poor to afford a tombstone during the Great Depression. It’s moments like that that make him feel like he’s really making a difference. It’s not just about preserving history for the sake of it—it’s about connecting people to something deeply personal and meaningful.
Another memorable experience came when Andy assisted the National Air and Space Museum in gathering information on Dr. Hagger, a key figure in the development of the U.S. rocket program who later lived in Mooresville. Andy’s research helped illuminate Hagger’s significant contributions to space history and the role he played in the U.S. space program.
While Andy is passionate about the past, he’s also keenly aware of how history evolves with time. As Mooresville has grown, more and more people are coming to appreciate the town’s history, whether they’re newcomers curious about the area’s origins or longtime residents who want to preserve the town’s unique character. History isn’t just about the past—it’s about understanding how our present connects to it, and that’s something Mooresville’s schools and younger generations are coming to appreciate.
Andy also values the role of technology in preserving history. The digital age has opened up new ways of sharing archival materials and making them accessible to a wider audience. His team at the library has been working on digitizing oral histories and other materials, allowing anyone to explore Mooresville’s past through their online gallery, Digital Mooresville (DigMo). One of the most exciting ongoing projects is the Black History project, which captures the stories of the Black community in Mooresville. This oral history initiative, launched in partnership with the local NAACP, aims to fill gaps in the town’s historical record and give voice to community members who have been underrepresented.
Despite the challenges that come with working in archives—such as the delicate nature of preserving old documents or dispelling misconceptions about preservation—Andy remains committed to his mission. He doesn’t see challenges as obstacles; he sees them as opportunities. Every day is a chance to educate, to connect people with history, and to make sure that the past is never forgotten.
When asked about his legacy, Andy is humble but hopeful. He wants to leave behind an archive that the people of Mooresville can be proud of—a place where future generations can come and learn about their town, their family history, and how far they’ve come. He hopes that what they’re doing today will help shape the way people understand Mooresville for years to come.
For those interested in following in Andy’s footsteps, his advice is simple: Love what you do, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. History is always evolving, and there are endless opportunities to contribute to the conversation.
As Andy continues his work at the Mooresville Public Library, he remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the town’s history with anyone who walks through the archives’ doors. For him, history is not just about the past—it’s about creating a connection to the present and building a foundation for the future.
