In 2010, the Swannanoa Valley Museum will celebrate 21 years of serving community members and visitors to the Swannanoa Valley and Western North Carolina. Located along one of the primary pathways into the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Swannanoa Valley Museum not only brings the past to life through community activities and educational enrichment, but also serves as a gateway and welcome center to the region.

As we plan for the next 20 years, we feel it is critical that our facility and exhibits are of the highest quality and appropriately convey the role of our museum as the primary museum of general history in the region's most populated county.

In 2004, we began exploring the idea of conducting a capital campaign to renovate the historic building that currently houses our collection and expanding our programming. After working with museum and architectural design professionals to develop a plan, conducting a fundraising feasibility study, and recruiting an outstanding Campaign Steering Committee, we are ready to begin the fundraising campaign.

An improved Swannanoa Valley Museum will help maintain a sense of place and community for descendents of the original settlers, as well as welcome newcomers to western North Carolina. Thank you for reviewing the plans within and for your active partnership and support in creating a cultural point of pride for the region and state.

Sincerely,

Wendell Begley
Chairman of the Board

Jill Jones
Director