Campfires & the Embers
of Youth
The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina
NEW MUSEUM EXHBIT OPENING SOON!
The exhibit will explore the history of overnight camps in Western North Carolina founded before 1970, highlighting the region’s pivotal role in the American camping movement. Engaging, interactive displays will bring this story to life for visitors of all ages.
PRESS RELEASE | MARCH 31, 2025 | CASHIERS, NC
Cashiers Historical Society Announces 2025 Symposium on the History of Summer Camps With Accompanying Museum Exhibit
Cashiers Historical Society has announced its 2025 Jan Wyatt Symposium, “Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina,” will take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, 10:00AM – 3:00PM. The symposium will include a slate of speakers and presentations, panel discussions, activities, and a catered lunch at Chimney Pond Farm in Glenville, NC. Amelia Golcheski, Executive Director of the Cashiers Historical Society, states, “The Jan Wyatt Symposium is an opportunity to spend a day diving deep into a single topic. This year’s topic allows us to discuss the myriad ways that summer camps have shaped the social, economic, and cultural history of western North Carolina.”
An accompanying museum exhibit will be open to the public and free of charge on the Cashiers Historical Society campus June 16 – October 31, 2025. This exhibit will focus on the history of overnight camps in Western North Carolina founded before 1970. Exhibit curator and the Director of Operations and Visitor Experience at the Cashiers Historical Society, Lindsay Garner Hostetler, says “It’s been exciting to be on the forefront of new research to bring this story of western North Carolina’s importance to the American camping movement to life. I’m thrilled to be able to tell the story visually through fun and dynamic displays that will appeal to visitors of all ages.”
Cashiers Historical Society presented the first Jan Wyatt Symposium in 2005. In the years since, the Historical Society has continued its mission to preserve the history of the Cashiers Valley area through education by sponsoring an annual symposium. The featured topics have ranged from historical figures and geological issues to cultural aspects of the region. Previous symposia highlighted traditional mountain music, heirloom gardens, and the history of tourism in the area.
Cashiers Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to preserve the heritage of Cashiers Valley through education, stewardship, and advocacy.
For more information, contact: info@cashiershistoricalsociety.org
EXHBIT OPENING JUNE 16!
Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina
OPEN: Monday–Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm | June 16–October 31
LOCATION: Zachary Family Cabin at CHS
COST: Free and open to the public
Each year, thousands of young people trek to western North Carolina to partake in a uniquely American tradition: attending summer camp. Summer camps have shaped the history and culture of western North Carolina since they first opened in the early 20th century. Despite its rich history, this topic is under-researched. "Campfires & the Embers of Youth: The History of Summer Camps in Western North Carolina" corrects that gap in the historical narrative. This exhibit will focus on the history of overnight camps in western North Carolina founded before 1970. The exhibit will bring the story of western North Carolina’s importance to the American camping movement to life through engaging and dynamic displays that will appeal to visitors of all ages.
CHS MEMBER PREVIEW EVENT
Cashiers Historical Society Members are invited to a special exhibit opening preview event. Come get an early look at this engaging exhibit before it opens to the public. Saturday, June 14, 3–5pm
Gallery of Images
PHOTOS OF THE EXHBIT COMING IN JUNE!
VISIT US ON A MUSEUM FIELD TRIP
Are you a leader at a summer camp, school, or youth serving organization?
Contact lindsay@cashiershistoricalsociety.org to schedule a field trip to the exhibit.