Swannanoa Valley Museum

Our Museum Shop
These top quality heritage items make ideal gifts for anyone who appreciates history and cultural preservation, and the profits from their sale help support the museum's operations.


"Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley" is a 128 page pictorial history of this beautiful, scenic area of Western North Carolina, part of the "Images of America" series by Arcadia Publishing. The book's theme is "what brings people to this valley, and what makes them stay." Historic photos range from scenic to images of the people who have created the unique culture that lives on in the valley today. Price is $21.40 including tax. Can be ordered by mail. Send check for $25 to include shipping and handling to: Swannanoa Valley Museum, P.O. Box 306, Black Mountain, NC 28711.		Mitchell's Peak, by Robert Dellinger. The fictionalized history of the last trip made by Dr. Elisha Mitchell on his quest to prove that the mountain now named for him was truly the highest east of the Mississippi River. Told from the narrative viewpoint of his son, Charles Mitchell. $17.00 plus s&h.

Magnificent Scenic Photography of the Swannanoa Valley
by Wendell Begley.

Choose from ten stunning photos:

Mitchell Falls in Snow - This remote falls is the place Dr. Elisha Mitchell met his death. Beautiful anytime, but exquisite in snow and ice as captured in this photo.

Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountain Range - This distant view captures the haunting shades of winter and the lonely silhouette of the Mt. Mitchell Tower.

Upper North Fork and the Black Mountain Range - A late fall vista of the Burnette Reservoir and the Blacks rising behind, dusted with frost.

Sunrise over the Blue Ridge - Brilliant oranges and yellow greet the eye in this dramatic photo of a sunrise over the mountains.

Mountain View Cemetery and the Black Mountain Range - One of the most historic cemeteries in the Swannanoa Valley, this one was moved to the crest of a hill when the City of Asheville created the Burnette Reservoir.

Black Mountain and the Great Craggies - A bird's eye view taken from atop Sunset Mountain, looking north to the snow-covered Craggies. Nestled in the valley, clearly visible in this winter scene, is the Town of Black Mountain.

Mt. Mitchell Tower and Dr. Elisha Mitchell's Grave - Snow ices the stones of the tower atop Mt. Mitchell, rising above the grave of Dr. Mitchell. The tower is soon to be torn down, making this photo even more valuable.

Rime Ice on Mt. Mitchell - Pure white trees accented against a brilliant blue winter sky -- stunning!

Snow on the Mountain, Balsam Gap - A haunting image of a forest covered in snow and ice with a storm coming on.

Sunrise from the "View Spot" on the Black Mountain Range - A star filter captures the sun as it tops the clouds, throwing the stark trees into silhouette.

The photos are printed on 99 year archival paper, 13" x 19" in size, and come with a supportive foamcore backing and plastic covering. The cost is $35, including tax. Add $6.50 for shipping and handling if mailing is requested.

Call the museum 828-669-9566 for more information. Photos available only through the Swannanoa Valley Museum.


"Beacon Blankets Make Warm Friends," a comprehensive history of Beacon with hundreds of color illustrations of the blankets. Written in 2001. Autographed by the authors, $49.95.		The Mountain, The Man and the Dream, The Story of the Ridgecrest Conference Center, by Kent A. Barnes. A pictorial and narrative history of the development of the Ridgecrest Conference Center in the Swannanoa Valley. $16.60 plus s&h.
A one hour inspirational (VHS) video program for only a $5.00 donation.

As you plan your End-of-Year Giving, please consider a gift to the Swannanoa Valley Museum. Thank you!