Billy Graham Library Press Kit
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 30, 2024 – The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, reached a major milestone today, as Gabriel Salstein of Miami, Florida, became the 2 millionth guest.
“When visitors enter the Billy Graham Library, they enter through doors at the foot of a 40-foot-tall glass cross,” said Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. “When the Library was built, I had no idea that over two million people would be passing through those doors to hear the Gospel and see how God used a North Carolina farmer’s son to reach millions of people around the world with the message of the cross—that ‘God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). This Good News—the Gospel—is the same message my father preached for more than 70 years.”
The Salstein family previously visited the Billy Graham Library in 2020, but when 17-year-old Gabriel finished reading Just As I Am—Billy Graham’s autobiography—he knew he wanted to come back to rediscover the Library. “I just want you guys to know what you do here matters. It influenced my son in a very impactful way,” said Javiera Salstein, who, along with her husband Alex, brought their five children to visit. “We were looking forward to being here, being surrounded by these people that love the Lord and really want to keep going what Mr. Billy Graham did.”
Consistently ranked the #1 thing to do in Charlotte on TripAdvisor, visitors to the Billy Graham Library can learn about the life and ministry of world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham. Since its opening in 2007, the Billy Graham Library has welcomed people from each of the 50 states and more than 100 countries. Guests have come from all walks of life, from U.S. Presidents to school children, and international dignitaries to retiree tours.
At the Billy Graham Library, guests can take the The Journey of Faith tour which features rare photos, multimedia displays, and recreations of historic moments from Billy Graham’s ministry, and experience special exhibits, events, and seasonal activities for the entire family. Additionally, guests can enjoy lunch or a specialty coffee at the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar, spend time exploring the Memorial Prayer Garden, shop in Ruth’s Attic bookstore, and visit the Graham Family Homeplace – the childhood home of Billy Graham.
The Library is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with free admission every day. The Library is closed on Sundays. For more information visit BillyGrahamLibrary.org.
About Billy Graham
Billy Graham, who died at age 99 in 2018, preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history—nearly 215 million across six continents. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film and the internet. During his ministry, Billy Graham provided spiritual counsel to 12 sitting presidents and dozens of world leaders, reaching out to the needy, comforting the nation in times of tragedy, and sharing the Gospel around the globe.
About The Billy Graham Library
The Billy Graham Library opened in 2007 and has since had 2 million visitors from around the world. Admission to the Library and The Journey of Faith is free. For more information on the Library and upcoming events, or to schedule a group tour, please call 704-401-3200 or visit BillyGrahamLibrary.org. You can also stay connected with the Billy Graham Library on these social media sites: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram; and on the Library blog.
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Media Contact:
Lisa Moseley
lmoseley@bgea.org