Local Museums Offer An Opportunity to Learn More About Local and Regional History

Picturing the Past has been featuring local organizations working to preserve Transylvania’s historic places and cultural heritage during Preservation Month in May. This week’s article features two local institutions with the common goal of sharing the stories of our past through their collections and exhibits.

Sewing machines, irons, sewing boxes and patterns are among
the items in the Transylvania Heritage Museum exhibit,
"Generation of Creations:  Spinning, Weaving & Quilting."

The Transylvania Heritage Museum’s collection contains a wide variety of memorabilia, from arrowheads to a mid-century television and record player console recently donated by a local family. Objects from the collection, along with items loaned by community members, are used in exhibits that change twice a year.  The current exhibit features the handiwork of past generations of spinners, weavers, quilters and seamstresses.

Other items like Dr. Lyday’s medical bag, currently on display at the Transylvania County Library, are occasionally loaned for use by partnering institutions. Traveling panel exhibits from the Heritage Museum are on display at the Rosman Town Hall, the Transylvania County Register of Deeds Office, the Transylvania County Schools Administration Offices and the Allison-Deavor House.

The Heritage Museum also provides a variety of educational opportunities including presentations, guided walking tours of Brevard and teaching trunks for educators. The Heritage Museum is located at 189 West Main St. and is open Wednesday through Saturday.

Veterans Museum volunteer, David Morrow
stands in front of his father's WWII Army
medals, ribbons and mementos

The Veterans Museum of the Carolinas honors men and women from North and South Carolina who served in the armed forces.  Displays contain artifacts and information covering wars and conflicts the U.S. has been in involved from World War I to present day.  The exhibits feature a wide variety of military uniforms and weaponry, along with original newspapers, personal letters, mementos and more. 

The Veterans Museum, located beside the Transylvania County Courthouse, is open Wednesday through Sunday.  They offer lectures, movies and other special events, including group tours and presentations for schools and organizations. 

Both museums, which are free to visitors and handicap accessible, offer a great opportunity to learn more about local and regional history.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.