What Asheville site attracts famous authors and movie stars alike? The Thomas Wolfe Cabin, also known as the Whitson or Cedar Cliff Cabin, is a diminutive, rustic log cabin built in 1924 on a picturesque knoll overlooking the French Broad River valley near Oteen. Famed novelist Thomas Wolfe lived at the cabin during the summer…

On June 4th, 2016, The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County celebrated their 40th Anniversary with panache! With what some are calling a “Time-traveling Gala”, the fundraiser transported guests through time with a tour of four historic locations that were significant to Asheville’s history. Attendees were treated to specialty cocktails, period- inspired foods and…

2016 Griffin Awards Were Hosted by the Historic S&W Cafeteria The efforts of property owners, contractors and architects across our community are the key stone to preservation in Asheville & Buncombe County. These efforts range from long-term stewardship to research to down-and-dirty nail pulling (and biting) blood sweat and tears. The Preservation Society brought a…

PSABC presents a lecture on women who wielded influence and stethoscopes during the early days of hometown health care.  Marie Bartlett, a local author with specialized knowledge of this time and place, is the guest speaker for the upcoming educational program. During the 1880s, the ladies of the “Magnolia Mission” thought there should be a…

On Thursday, April 21st,  PSABC will explore a design philosophy realized in nature … Frederick Law Olmstead’s plan for the grounds of the Biltmore Estate.  Olmsted, the famous landscape architect best known for New York’s Central Park, received his last major commission with Biltmore.  It became his living masterpiece, a green legacy enjoyed daily by…

PSABC hosts a “movie talk” for its upcoming education program.  The subject is filming at the Biltmore Estate and other locations around town where preservation creates atmosphere.  Guest speakers are Patricia Phillips, Entertainment and Event Coordinator at the Biltmore Company,  Robert Griffin, local preservation architect for many award-winning projects, including The Manor, an apartment residence…

PSABC presents an illustrated lecture on western North Carolina’s first highway:  the Drovers’ Roads of the early to mid-1800s.  Local historian John Turk will cover a lot of territory and a raucous, messy period of regional history during this September program at Pack Memorial Library. Soon after the western Carolinas were settled, farming pioneers needed…

PSABC is proud to present critically acclaimed harpist Linda Barton Paul at its second annual benefit concert on Sunday, August 16th.   Like last year’s popular event, this special performance will be at the historic Cathedral of All Souls in Biltmore Village, a venue of great beauty and exceptional acoustics.  Ms. Barton was also the featured…

PSABC plans a singular presentation on Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) structures and the forthcoming award of National Historic Landmark status.  While the BRP itself was begun in the 1930s and completed over 50 years, the story of Parkway buildings is just as long and varied.  Steven Kidd and Cynthia Walton, our knowledgeable speakers, will discuss…

PSABC presents the 2015 City Scavenger Hunt, a chance to scout out Asheville’s architectural treasures.  The downtown area is known for its beautiful historic buildings, many that date back to the first decades of the 20th century.  Scavenger Hunt participants will travel all over town, from Pack Square to Pritchard Park, on a mission to…