Ava Lavinia Gardner was born on Christmas Eve, 1922, in Brogden, a rural community seven miles east of Smithfield, Her last visit in Smithfield was in May of 1985. In 1986 she suffered a stroke, and died of pneumonia on January 25, 1990. She is buried in Sunset Memorial Park, US Highway 70, in Smithfield.
The Ava Gardner Museum is home to an incredible collection including original scripts, photos, costumes, and personal effects of screen legend Ava Gardner-a true Hollywood "Cinderella" story. Experience her rise from a local country girl to one of Hollywood's film goddesses. Born near Smithfield, Ava's friends and co-stars included Mickey Rooney, Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, and Gregory Peck. Her grave site is located in nearby Sunset Memorial Gardens, approximately two miles from the museum. Merchandise is available for purchase.
325 E. Market St., Smithfield
(919) 934-5830
http://www.avagardner.org/
The museum is open daily, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm.
Wheelchair accessible, public restrooms.
Free parking along street and rear lots.
Admission: $6 adults; $5 seniors; $4 children ages 3-12.
Debbie Clifton/Homestead Realty of NC/www.Properties4Sell.net
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