Events & Exhibits
Come celebrate our heritage with us
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Join us for a variety of engaging events, exhibits, lectures, and programs throughout the year.
2025 Exhibitions & Program Highlights
-
New Exhibit: High Hampton Inn
OPENING JUNE 6
“Let No One Be a Stranger Here:” High Hampton Inn and the Making of Modern Cashiers
-
New Exhibit: Summer Camps in WNC
JUNE 16 THRU OCTOBER 31
Campfires & The Embers of Youth: The History of Residential Summer Camps in Western North Carolina
-
The Jan Wyatt Symposium
JUNE 19, 10:00AM–3:45PM
Lathan Lecture on The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina. @ChimneyPondFarm
-
Cashiers Designer Showhouse
AUGUST 22–30, 2025
Join us for 9 days of extraordinary design, unique vendors, and a dynamic lineup of inspiring and interactive events!
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Open House
Join us at the Cashiers Historical Society for a Volunteer Open House!
Whether you're a returning volunteer or interested in getting involved for the first time, this is a great opportunity to meet the CHS team, connect with fellow volunteers, and learn how you can support our mission and upcoming events.
Light refreshments will be served.
DETAILS: Please RSVP to info@cashiershistoricalsociety.org
Airing of the Quilts
An Appalachian Mountain springtime tradition!
From a bitter cold winter to sunshine and warmer temperatures, Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and freshen up & air out quilts for next winter. During this event, local quilters will proudly display their beautiful creations throughout the historic campus of the Cashiers Historical Society. Stroll the grounds, tour our preserved historic structures, and engage with skilled Appalachian artisans as they demonstrate traditional crafts and showcase their handmade works. As you take in the sights, enjoy live Appalachian music by Young Mountain Magic—the perfect musical setting for a day steeped in heritage, craftsmanship, and community spirit!
TIME: 11:00am–3:00pm, June 6 & 7
DETAILS: Free and open to the public
Member Event: Exhibit Preview
Campfires & The Embers of Youth: The History of Residential Summer Camps in Western North Carolina
Details coming soon!
Jan Wyatt Symposium
Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Residential Summer Camps in Western North Carolina
We are proud to present our 2025 Jan Wyatt Symposium, Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina. This engaging topic allows us to explore the many ways summer camps have shaped the social, economic, and cultural history of western North Carolina. The event will include a slate of speakers and presentations, panel discussions, activities, and a catered lunch.
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
Tickets: $75
Camp Historical Society
Capture the Flag (and a love of History)
Join us for a thrilling game of Capture the Flag, inspired by the teamwork and strategy of outdoor games throughout history! As part of our Camp Historical Society program, this exciting event invites “campers” to form teams and compete in a friendly yet fast-paced challenge to capture the opposing team’s flag while protecting their own.
This high-energy game encourages outdoor play, friendly competition, and plenty of fun—perfectly complementing our exhibit Campfires & Embers of Youth: The History of Residential Summer Camps in Western North Carolina
DETAILS: Wear your sneakers and comfy clothes, bring a water bottle, and plenty of team spirit!
Rules and signup information will be provided at a later date.
Camp Historical Society
Family Night — Screening of the 1961 film “The Parent Trap”
Gather your family and friends and spend the evening under the stars at Camp Historical Society! We’re excited to screen the beloved 1961 classic The Parent Trap, featuring the unforgettable Hayley Mills as identical twin sisters, separated at birth by their parents' divorce. The sisters are reunited years later at a summer camp, where they swap places in a heartwarming and nostalgic tale to reunite their estranged parents.
This family-friendly movie is perfect for all ages and a wonderful way to enjoy quality time together, all while surrounded by the beautiful grounds of the Cashiers Historical Society. The film perfectly complements our exhibit, Campfires & Embers of Youth: The History of Residential Summer Camps in Western North Carolina.
DETAILS: Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your favorite movie snack
Signup information will be provided at a later date.
Mountain Heritage Series
Mae Claxton & George Frizzell discussion on Horace Kephart
Join us at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library for an engaging discussion on “In Horace Kephart: Writings”. Presented by George Frizzell and Mae Miller Claxton, this event offers a deeper dive into the journey of a nature aficionado who passionately advocated for the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Trail.
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
DETAILS: Free admission for CHS members | $5 for non-members (admission can be paid at the door)
This event is a collaboration between the Cashiers Historical Society and the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. It is part of the Cashiers Historical Society’s Mountain Heritage Series.
Mountain Heritage Series
Tim Barnwell, Faces & Places of Cashiers Valley Author Discussion
Join us at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library to listen to Master Photographer and Author, Tim Barnwell, talk about his work on Faces and Places of Cashiers Valley and highlight some of his other projects including his three Appalachian-themed books, the people of Highlands, and his YouTube channel, The Face of Appalachia.
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
DETAILS: Free admission for CHS members | $5 for non-members (admission can be paid at the door)
This event is a collaboration between the Cashiers Historical Society and the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. It is part of the Cashiers Historical Society’s Mountain Heritage Series.
Mountain Heritage Series
“Monticello: Sharing History for a Century”, with Brandon Dillard
DETAILS: Free admission for CHS members | $5 for non-members (admission can be paid at the door)
Information coming soon!
Cashiers Designer Showhouse
The signature fundraiser of the Cashiers Historical Society.
For more than two decades, this beloved tradition has welcomed thousands of visitors to Cashiers during the last week of August to tour a beautifully designed home. Each year, top designers from the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau and across the Southeast bring a stunning home to life with inspired design and fresh ideas. From bold statements to timeless touches, they blend creativity with the latest trends—making the Showhouse a must-see experience for design lovers and curious visitors alike!
Volunteer Appreciation Event
Join us as we celebrate the heart of our organization—our incredible volunteers!
We invite all volunteers to a special evening of gratitude, connection, and celebration. Enjoy light refreshments, heartfelt thanks, and a chance to reflect on the meaningful impact your time and talents have made throughout the year. Whether you helped during events, supported our exhibits, or pitched in behind the scenes, we want to recognize and thank you for all you do to keep our mission alive!
Light refreshments will be served. We look forward to honoring your dedication and spending time together as a community. You make history happen!
DETAILS: Please RSVP to info@cashiershistoricalsociety.org
Holidays at the Historical Society
Holidays at the Historical Society invites visitors to step into the past and experience holiday traditions unique to Southern Appalachia.
This magical evening captures the warmth and wonder of the holiday season, offering a candlelight tour of the historic Zachary-Tolbert House. Guided by the Cashiers Historical Society Staff, you’ll learn about past holiday traditions and how they’ve changed over time, all while admiring the home’s beautiful holiday decorations. Live holiday music will fill the air, adding to the charm of this festive evening!
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
TIME: 4:00–6:00pm, December 13-14
Ticket information will be provided at a later date.
Mountain Heritage Series
Sound Wormy: “The History of Southern Appalachia is Written in Its Forests” — Presented by Shelby & Philip Gennett
Join us at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library for a compelling discussion on the pivotal role the logging industry played in shaping the history and culture of Southern Appalachia. Sound Wormy: "The History of Southern Appalachia is Written in Its Forests" will be presented by Shelby and Philip Gennett, grandchildren of Andrew Gennett, a pioneering lumberman whose early 20th-century work helped define the timber industry in the southern mountains.
This event is a collaboration between the Cashiers Historical Society and the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. It is part of the Cashiers Historical Society’s Mountain Heritage Series.
DETAILS: Free and open to the public
Mountain Heritage Series
Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, Even As We Breathe — Author Discussion
Join us at the Cashiers Community Library for an engaging discussion with author Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle. Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle is an enrolled citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and resides in Qualla, NC, with her husband, Evan, and sons Ross and Charlie. She holds degrees from Yale University and the College of William and Mary. Clapsaddle will present her novel Even As We Breathe and discuss her research and the challenges of writing historical fiction.
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
This event is a collaboration between the Cashiers Historical Society and the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. It is part of the Cashiers Historical Society’s Mountain Heritage Series and Native American programming.
DETAILS: Free and open to the public
Heritage Apple Day Festival
Gather your family & friends and join us for a hands-on experience celebrating the apples of early settlers with engaging activities for all ages!
This year, we’re adding a fresh twist, here's what's in store: Cider Making – Discover the art of apple cider making with CHS and apple cider vinegar making with our friends from HCLT; Beekeeping Demonstration – Get an up-close look at the fascinating world of bees with the experts from Tiny Trail Farm. For the kids (and the young at heart!): Apple Stamping, Lawn Games, Jack Tales Storytelling, and more! For the bakers: Apple Baking Contest – Bring your best homemade apple creation for a chance to win! For the music lover: Live Music by Young Mountain Magic
Pack a picnic lunch, bring a blanket, and immerse yourself in the heritage and flavors of Appalachian apples at this fun and educational event!
DETAILS: Free & Open to the Public
Grub for Good: CHS Trivia at Whiteside Brewing
Join us at Whiteside Brewing for Grub for Good — Trivia Night!
Gather your family and friends for a fun evening of trivia, delicious food, libations, and community spirit—all for a great cause. We look forward to seeing you there!
DETAILS: Trivia questions are curated by your friends at the Historical Society! 10% of the sales will be donated to the Cashiers Historical Society.
Mountain Heritage Series
Lillian Smith: Breaking the Silence — Documentary Screening
Join the Cashiers Historical Society and Albert-Carlton Cashiers Community Library for a film screening and engaging discussion on southern writer/activist Lillian Smith, who received national attention in the 1940s-50s as the first prominent southern author to speak out against segregation.
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
This event is a collaboration between the Cashiers Historical Society and the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. It is part of the Cashiers Historical Society’s Mountain Heritage Series and Women's History Month programming.
DETAILS: Free and open to the public
Mountain Heritage Series
Chris Aluka Berry, Affrilachia: Testimonies Author Discussion
Join us at the Cashiers Community Library for a captivating discussion with author and photographer Chris Aluka Berry. Chris is a photographer who lives in Western North Carolina. Berry will present his book, Affrilachia: Testimonies, a visual history book that honors and celebrates the Black communities of the southern Appalachian Mountains.
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
This event is a collaboration between the Cashiers Historical Society and the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library. It is part of the Cashiers Historical Society’s Mountain Heritage Series and Black History Month programming.
DETAILS: Free and open to the public
LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE TO DO?