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.
Featured Exhibitions & Programs
-
Holidays at the Historical Society
DEC. 3 & 4 | 4pm–8pm
Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays at the Historical Society with Candlelight Tours & Christmas Carolers!
-
Exhibit: Cashiers History
OPEN DAILY | 10am–4pm
Come see our new exhibit at the Zachary-Tolbert House, “At the Crossroads of Time: Cashiers in the American Story.”
-
Exhibit: High Hampton Inn
OPEN DAILY | 10am–4pm
Come see the award-winning exhibit: “Let No One Be a Stranger Here”: High Hampton Inn and the Making of Modern Cashiers
-
Exhibit: Summer Camps in WNC
EMBERSOFYOUTH.COM
See our award-winning exhibit, now online! Learn about the history of summer camps in Western North Carolina.
Upcoming Events
Holidays at the Historical Society
Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays at the Historical Society!
Holidays at the Historical Society invites visitors to step back in time 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.
CASHIERS DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE 2027
Mark your calendar!
Cashiers Designer Showhouse celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2027! August 27–September 4, 2027
Mountain Heritage Series
“Anatomy of a Purple State: North Carolina Politics”
New Location — Crooked Corners Cabin on CHS Campus
More details coming soon!
Mountain Heritage Series
“Please Touch! The History of Children’s Museums in the United States”
New Location — Crooked Corners Cabin on CHS Campus
More details coming soon!
Bluegrass, Bourbon, and Beyond (Young Preservationist Event)
Calling all young professionals!
Join us in celebrating the history and heritage of the Cashiers Valley at Bluegrass, Bourbon, & Beyond: A Young Preservationists Event.
As part of this year’s Showhouse, CHS is bringing together the next generation of local preservationists to mix and mingle over bluegrass and bourbon. Guests will enjoy live music from The Kooks of Hazard, an engaging discussion on the history of bourbon led by Blade and Bow, a build-your-own mint julep bar, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. The evening will also feature a shopping experience and classic lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga—perfect for a little friendly competition!
This event is part of the Cashiers Historical Society’s Young Preservationists Series, an initiative designed to create meaningful opportunities for young people to connect, get involved, and support the mission of CHS.
Special thanks to our sponsor, Cashiers Valley Real Estate. Your generous support helps us bring the next generation together and continue fostering a strong, connected community.
Event Details:
Thursday, September 3, 2026
5:00pm – 8:00pm
The Orchard Events Barn
Tickets: $50.00
Cashiers Designer Showhouse
THE SIGNATURE EVENT OF THE SEASON
In 2026, the Cashiers Designer Showhouse celebrates its 29th anniversary — marking nearly three decades of design excellence and community impact. This beloved event is the primary annual fundraiser for the Cashiers Historical Society and welcomes thousands of guests to the Cashiers area to tour an extraordinary home brought to life by some of the South’s most talented designers.
The 2026 Showhouse will run from August 28 through September 5, with proceeds directly supporting the mission, programs, and preservation efforts of the Cashiers Historical Society.
Film Screening: Rise, Ruin, and Restoration: A History of Lake Toxaway
Film Screening: Rise, Ruin, and Restoration: A History of Lake Toxaway
FREE | 5PM RECEPTION, 5:30PM SCREENING | THE VILLAGE GREEN
ABOUT THE FILM
This documentary film that brings to life one of Western North Carolina's most captivating stories. The film, directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Dan Johnson, chronicles the creation of Lake Toxaway, the dramatic collapse of its dam in 1916, and the remarkable effort to resurrect the mountain lake decades later.
John LeRoy Nichols Ill and Dan Johnson's deep personal roots in the region inspired them to create a documentary to preserve the area's rich history. The film includes the story of Nichol's grandfather, Reginald Davies Heinitsh, whose vision and determination made the lake's rebirth bossible. The documentary project was expanded to include the fascinating tale of local legend Lucy Armstrong Moltz, whose Toxaway mansion would eventually become
It's a piece of history that shaped Transylvania County and the broader Southern Highlands community in ways that have long gone untold. This event is in partnership with the Cashiers Historical Society.
Moss & Fern Walk - RSVP Required (15 max)
MOSS & FERN WALK HOSTED BY THE HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS LAND TRUST
FREE & OPEN TO ALL. Registration is Required. Space is Limited to 15 participants.
RSVP LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedUhKj3fyHpXG3YQcyIX3QHqAXyWvnpgDJnWjzEuPUHbPhgQ/viewform
Artisan Demo Days - Weaving
Artisan Demo Days: WEAVING
See Mattie Davenport create weaving projects on her large floor loom on the CHS campus from 11:00am–3:00pm.
JAM Camp
Cashiers Historical Society and Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) Blue Ridge will host the third annual JAM Camp this summer!
Registration is open for youth in grades 4 - 8. Join us for three days of music, activities, and fun on the CHS campus.
POSTPONED -Mountain Heritage Series
“Going to School in Cashiers Valley”
Details coming soon!
New Location — Crooked Corners Cabin on CHS Campus
Free admission for CHS members;
$5 suggested donation for non-members
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Reading of the Declaration of Independence – 6:15pm, Before the fireworks at The Village Green in Cashiers
Artisan Demo Days - Woodworking & Hand Weaving
Artisan Demo Days: Woodworking & Hand Weaving
Declaration of Independence Signing
Declaration of Independence Signing – Learn to use a quill and ink to sign a replica of the Declaration of Independence
Jan Wyatt Symposium
"We Hold These Truths: Western North Carolina and America at 250"
EVENT DETAILS
WHEN: Friday, June 26
TIME: 10:00am–1:00pm
WHERE: Lewis Hall at The Village Green, Cashiers, NC
TICKETS: Tickets on sale June 1 (benefit for CHS)
This year's program, "We Hold These Truths: Western North Carolina and America at 250," examines the legacies of America's founding in western North Carolina. It looks at the complex narratives that shape the history and culture of the region. We'll examine how Cherokee, women, and African Americans experienced our nation's founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Once colonial America's westernmost boundary, the Appalchian Mountains sparked a revolution over expansionist ideals for a new nation. In the years since America's founding, people in the region experiened the promises of the founding documents differently. Faced with removal, enslavement, and disenfranchisement, people in the region had to fight for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence long after the document was signed. In the 250 years since America's creation, individuals and social movements worked to expand the promises of the founding document to include all people.
The event will include a slate of speakers, presentations, and a catered lunch.
New Permanent Exhibit Opening!
Come see the new permanent CHS exhibit…
At the Crossroads of Time: Cashiers in the American Story Explores how the history of Cashiers Valley intersects with the larger story of America. From Cherokee homelands and frontier settlement to the Civil War, tourism, and modern development, the exhibition reveals how national events shaped one remarkable mountain community.
Exhibit Preview for CHS Members
Members get a first look at the new CHS exhibit…
At the Crossroads of Time: Cashiers in the American Story
Artisan Demo Days - Woodworking
Artisan Demo Days: WOODWORKING
Watch master woodworker, Chris Behre, create wooden toys
on the CHS campus from 11:00am–3:00pm.
Airing of the Quilts
5th Annual Airing of the Quilts… it’s 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, explore preserved historic buildings, and watch skilled Appalachian artisans demonstrate traditional crafts and showcase their handmade works. On Saturday, enjoy live Appalachian music while taking in the sights—a perfect backdrop for a day celebrating heritage, craftsmanship, and community spirit.
This event is free & open to the public. Pack a picnic lunch, bring a blanket, and join us for a full day of Appalachian culture!
11:00am–3:00pm
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
Mountain Heritage Series
"Making Their Mark: The Women of Biltmore Estate"
While it is easy to tell the story of George Washington Vanderbilt at Biltmore Estate, buried just under the surface are the stories of the female residents of Biltmore House, Edith Vanderbilt and Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil. From the late 1890s to the 1930s, Edith and Cornelia shaped not only the estate on which they lived, but the wider communities in which they were active. Born in different eras and yet united by an abiding love for Western North Carolina, this talk will examine the Vanderbilt women’s involvement in the social, philanthropic, and public life of the region with an emphasis on how society perceived them—and how they perceived themselves.
Meghan Forest-Singeris Associate Curator at Biltmore Estate, where she has worked for seven years. Her graduate work at the University of Oxford (Kellogg College) fostered a passion for uncovering stories of those that may otherwise be lost to history. During her time at Biltmore, she has authored five exhibitions and piloted Biltmore’s online exhibition program, in addition to her involvement in conducting archival research, supporting room restorations, and advancing equitable, multimedia interpretation that makes all guests to Biltmore feel welcomed.
Free admission for CHS members;
$5 suggested donation for non-members
Spring Social (Young Preservationist Event)
Calling all young professionals!
Join us for a Spring Social celebrating the rich history and culture of the Cashiers Valley. This lively gathering brings together the next generation of local preservationists to mix and mingle over live bluegrass music by Timberdoodle, light bites from the Village Pantry, drinks, and classic lawn games like cornhole—perfect for a little friendly competition!
This event marks the kickoff of this year’s Young Preservationists Series, an initiative designed to create meaningful opportunities for young people to connect, get involved, and support the mission of the Cashiers Historical Society.
The event is free and open to the public—so invite a friend, meet new people, and be part of a community gathering that brings young people together while raising awareness for the preservation of the Cashiers Valley.
Special thanks to our lead sponsor, Cashiers Valley Real Estate! Your generous support helps us bring the next generation together and continue fostering a strong, connected community.
Learn more: https://www.cashiershistory.org/young-preservationist
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cashiers Historical Society Pavilion
*Register at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cashiershistoricalsociety/event/youngpreservationistspringsocial/
Heritage Apple Day
Spring is apple blossom season! Come celebrate our 19th annual Heritage Apple Day with us!
Gather your family and friends for a hands-on celebration of heritage apples and the agricultural history of the Cashiers Valley, featuring fun and engaging activities for all ages!
Here’s what’s in store:
Apple Tree Grafting - Learn grafting techniques and the opportunity to graft your own tree in the CHS apple orchard. A complimentary grafted apple tree will be offered to the first 100 participants.
Cider Making – Discover the art of apple cider making with CHS. Enjoy a cup of fresh pressed cider!
Apple cider vinegar making - Create your own apple cider vinegar with our friends from the Highlands Cashiers Land Trust
Beekeeping Demonstration & local honey tasting – 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 craft, Lawn Games, and more!
For the music lover: Live Bluegrass Music by Young Mountain Magic
This event is free & open to the public. Pack a picnic lunch, bring a blanket, and immerse yourself in the heritage and flavors of Appalachian apples at this fun and educational event!
"When Are We Us?"
SEE THE NC STATE ARCHIVES TRAVELING EXHIBIT: WHEN ARE WE US?
This traveling exhibit by the North Carolina State Archives is a thought-provoking approach to the commemoration of the US 250th anniversary that delves into the fundamental ideals of democracy and the role they play in shaping our society.
North Carolina America250 traveling exhibit will be at CHS April 18 – May 30.
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. Carolers and holiday music will fill the air, adding to the charm of this festive evening!
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
Tickets are now available to purchase!
Gingerbread House Competition
Gingerbread House Competition - A Sweet Celebration of Cashiers’ Holiday Traditions!
We are excited to introduce a festive new addition to our holiday programming—a Gingerbread House Competition, in collaboration with the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce!
On December 4, bring your creativity, holiday spirit, and architectural flair to CHS as we celebrate the season with sweet designs and festive fun. Individuals, families, businesses, and community groups are all invited to participate.
Category winners will be announced during the Gingerbread Man’s Mountain March Christmas Parade, and all entries will be on display throughout Holidays at the Historical Society. The Community Favorite Award will be voted on at Holidays at the Historical Society and revealed on CHS social media channels. All winners will receive a prize!
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
Mountain Heritage Series
Joseph Bathanti and Alessandro Porco Present The Anthology of Black Mountain College Poetry
Joseph Bathanti and Alessandro Porco will be joining us to discuss the work they did as co-editiors of the recently released Anthology of Black Mountain College Poetry.
Joseph Bathanti is a former North Carolina poet laureate and current professor at Appalachian State University. Alessandro Porco is a literary historian and associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
The story of Black Mountain College begins in 1933 and comprises a fascinating chapter in the history of education and the arts. Conceived by John A. Rice, a brilliant and mercurial scholar who left Rollins College in a storm of controversy, Black Mountain College was born out of a desire to create a new type of college based on John Dewey’s principles of progressive education. Black Mountain College was fundamentally different from other colleges and universities of the time. It was owned and operated by the faculty and was committed to democratic governance and to the idea that the arts are central to the experience of learning. All members of the college community participated in its operation, including farm work, construction projects, and kitchen duty. Twenty minutes east of Asheville, the secluded environment fostered a strong sense of individuality and creative intensity.
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
CHS Trivia at Whiteside Brewing
CHS Trivia at Whiteside Brewing
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!
Trivia questions are curated by your friends at the Historical Society! 10% of the sales will be donated to the Cashiers Historical Society.
Village Heritage Award - Preservation Celebration
Village Heritage Award - Preservation Celebration
The 2025 Village Heritage Award was awarded to The Library Kitchen & Bar for their continued preservation of the Monteith-Jennings House.
A Preservation Celebration for The Library Kitchen & Bar will take place on October 30th from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. in their dining room. The event is free and open to the public. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize a treasured landmark and connect with community members.
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
A Life Reimagined - The George Masa Story
A Life Reimagined - The George Masa Story
Join us, along with Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library, Highlands Biological Foundation, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, and the Highlands Historical Society, for a Sneak Peek Screening of A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Paul Bonesteel.
CLICK IMAGE TO READ MORE >
Our programs are made possible through the generous support of our grant funding organizations—thank you!
LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE TO DO?