Sign Up Early for All These Great Museum Events!

The Swannanoa Valley Museum brings history to life outside its walls as well as within with monthly events that explore the many rich cultural and heritage treasures in the Swannanoa Valley and throughout Western North Carolina.

Here's a preview of what's coming up in the first half of this year.  Check it out and sign up early to reserve your place on your favorite events.  Museum events make special treats for out-of-town guests too!

For more information, call the Museum or send an email to swannanoavalleym@bellsouth.net,  or check our website for details. Reservations are required for all events. 

Coming Up for Spring and Early Summer

April:

24:   Birding at Riverbend Park, Hickory, one of the state's most outstanding birding sites.  Join us for this ranger-led hike followed by a picnic in this beautiful park.

May:

1:  Mitchell Falls hike--Visit the scenic waterfall where Dr. Elisha Mitchell fell to his death while trying to prove the mountain that now bears his name was the highest in the Eastern US. Now on private property, Mitchell Falls is not open to the public, so this is your chance to see them and hear the history surrounding them.

8:  Wildflower hike--Visit the heights of Alpine mountain and see the exquisite wildflower show, not to mention the fantastic views.  Hike leaders Harriet Styles and Joe Standaert are wildflower experts, so bring your cameras and notepads.  Enjoy a picnic on Jesse's High Top.

12: Daycation--Come along on the Virginia Creeper bicycle ride, a 17-mile downhill run suitable for all ages and abilities.  This promises to be a great springtime event, so come along.

15: Swannanoa Rim hike.  Fifth hike in the Swannanoa Rim Explorer series.

June:

5:  Sunset photography hike near Potato Knob.  Join the fun for an early picnic supper at Mount Mitchell, followed by a short hike to the Begley's cabins and nearby viewpoints.  Photographer Joye Arden Durham will give tips on how to capture the sun's last rays.

19: Swannanoa Rim hike.  Sixth hike in the Swannanoa Rim Explorer series.

23:  Daycation--Visit Linville Caverns/Wiseman’s View.  See the mountains from deep inside and then from on high, within a few miles of each other.  Lunch at Sperry's Bar-b-q in Linville.

July:

4:  Fireworks hike. A perrenial favorite, great for families, a new viewpoint for watching the Black Mountain fireworks.  Enjoy a traditional all-American picnic and hear some history.

17: Swannanoa Rim hike.  Seventh in the Swannanoa Rim Explorer series.

21: River rafting on the French Broad.  We'll spend half a day on the river, with lunch provided.  A great way to cool down on a hot summer day.  Bring your family and guests for this special event.  Early registration strongly suggested.

29:  Daycation--Mineral & Gem Festival at Spruce Pine.  Calling all rockhounds and gem-lovers.  This is a huge annual gem and mineral show you won't want to miss.

Reservations can be made for all Museum events now.  Call 828-669-9566.

Photo by Joe Standaert.  Daycationers at Wiseman's View, 2009.

Would You Like to Become a Docent?

The Museum is fortunate to have a strong and committed corps of docents who host our visitors and welcome people to the Museum.

Each year, we invite new folks who have an interest in history, in meeting new people, and in serving as volunteers to join our docent corps. 

During the season, which runs from mid-April through October, the Museum is open Tuesdays-Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm.  Docent shifs on these days are from 10 am to 1:30 pm, and 1:30 pm to 5 pm.  On Saturdays, the Museum is open noon to 4 pm, which is the docent shift on that day.  Sunday hours are from 2-5 pm, also the extent of the Sunday docent shift. 

Duties include greeting guests, maintaining visitor records, staffing a limited retail counter, and answering questions.  New docents will be trained in operating procedures, and if you like, someone will stay with you the first few times you volunteer.

Docent Orientation is held each spring in conjunction with an appreciation luncheon, and in the fall, docents are invited to the Museum's annual Volunteer and Membership Appreciation Picnic. 

Becoming a docent is a great way for newcomers to the area to familiarize themselves with its history and the people of the Swannanoa Valley.  You will also meet others and make new friends.  If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please call Jill Jones at 828-669-9566, or 828-779-3530 (cell.)

Photo:  Docents learn about new Flood Exhibit, spring 2010.

Local Documentaries to be Screened at White Horse

Seven Sisters Cinema, in partnership with the Swannanoa Valley Museum and White Horse Black Mountain, will present four documentaries that were produced in the Swannanoa Valley on Thursday, April 15 at 7 pm at the White Horse music hall.

The scheduled films include "Growing Up Black in Black Mountain," an interview with Inez Daugherty who speaks about growing up as an African-American in Black Mountain in the days of segregation.

"The Black Mountain Airport" is a short documentary produced by Black Mountain Digital Media about the small airport that once was located near the intersection of State Road 70 and Blue Ridge Road.

"Daylight Came to Buncombe County," about the coming of the railroad from Old Fort to Black Mountain was produced by Owen HIgh School students.

The fourth documentary will be one of the Trail Explorer series produced by Van Burnette.

The screenings will begin at 7 pm.  Admission is $5 per person.

Photo:  Airplane at Black Mountain Airport.