Picturing the Past has been featuring local organizations
working to preserve Transylvania’s historic places and cultural heritage during
Preservation Month in May. This week’s article features two local institutions
with the common goal of sharing the stories of our past through their
collections and exhibits.

Sewing machines, irons, sewing boxes and patterns are among the items in the Transylvania Heritage Museum exhibit, “Generation of Creations:  Spinning, Weaving & Quilting.”

The Transylvania Heritage Museum’s collection contains a
wide variety of memorabilia, from arrowheads to a mid-century television and
record player console recently donated by a local family. Objects from the
collection, along with items loaned by community members, are used in exhibits that
change twice a year.  The current exhibit features the handiwork
of past generations of spinners, weavers, quilters and seamstresses.

Other items like Dr. Lyday’s medical bag, currently on
display at the Transylvania County Library, are occasionally loaned for use by partnering
institutions. Traveling panel exhibits from the Heritage Museum are on display
at the Rosman Town Hall, the Transylvania County Register of Deeds Office, the
Transylvania County Schools Administration Offices and the Allison-Deavor House.

The Heritage Museum also provides a variety of educational opportunities
including presentations, guided walking tours of Brevard and teaching trunks
for educators. The Heritage Museum is located at 189 West Main St. and is open
Wednesday through Saturday.

Veterans Museum volunteer, David Morrow stands in front of his father’s WWII Army medals, ribbons and mementos

The Veterans
Museum of the Carolinas honors men and women from North and South Carolina who served
in the armed forces.  Displays contain
artifacts and information covering wars and conflicts the U.S. has been in
involved from World War I to
present day.  The exhibits feature a wide
variety of military uniforms and weaponry, along with original newspapers,
personal letters, mementos and more. 

The Veterans
Museum, located beside the Transylvania County Courthouse, is open Wednesday
through Sunday.  They offer lectures,
movies and other special events, including group tours and presentations for
schools and organizations. 

Both museums, which are free to visitors and handicap
accessible, offer a great opportunity to learn more about local and regional history.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by
the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC
Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our
history and see additional photographs. For more information, comments, or
suggestions contact Marcy at [email protected]
or 828-884-1820.