About the Historical Society
Preserving the cultural and architectural heritage of Transylvania County.
~ Research ~ Restoration ~ Documentation ~ Interpretation ~
The Transylvania County Historical Society owns the Allison-Deaver House built in 1815 which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the McGaha Chapel built in 1872. The Historical Society depends upon membership fees, donations, private foundation grants and Transylvania County funds to maintain the Allison-Deaver House and the McGaha Chapel.
The Allison-Deaver House will open for the season May 18, 2019 Saturdays and Sundays 1:00 pm-4:00 pm and close October 20th. The house is also open for tours by appointment. The grounds and Glesne-Gash Walking Trails are open for picnics and walking.
2019 Events
Vintage and Antique Sale
Saturday, April 27
10am-2pm
Allison-Deaver House
Collectibles~China~Furniture~Art
Allison-Deaver House Opening Day
Saturday, May 18th
1:00 pm
McGaha Chapel Singing
Saturday, June 1st
2:30pm
McGaha Chapel-Cedar Mountain
Sunday History Talks
Early Settlers of the Davidson River Area
Speaker: Marcy Thompson
June 23, 2019
2:00 pm
Allison-Deaver House
Makin’ A Difference Monday
Monday, July 15, 2019
6:00 pm
Oscar Blues Brewery
Part of the proceeds benefit the Transylvania County Historical Society
Farming in the Davidson River Valley
Speaker: Carroll Parker
August 18th
2:00 pm
Allison-Deaver House
Hat and Fascinator Workshop
Drop-in and make a hat or fascinator for the Afternoon Tea and Trunk Show on September 28th. Supplies provided.
Saturday, September 21st
3:00pm-6:00pm
Cost: $8
Transylvania County Recreation Building
Afternoon Tea and Trunk Show
Join us for a traditional afternoon tea and jewelry trunk show.
Saturday, September 28th
3:00pm-5:00pm
Tickets: $25
The Inn at Brevard
Menu: Tea Sandwiches, Scones, Clotted Cream, Biscuits, Cookies and Tea
>Annual Meeting and Dinner
Thursday, October 3rd
6:00 pm
Tickets: $20
Program: “First Ladies and a Gent”
Waightstill Avery DAR
First United Methodist Church
McGaha Chapel Singing
Sunday, December 1st
2:30pm
McGaha Chapel-Cedar Mountain
The 200th Birthday Celebration on July 25, 2015 was a huge success with about 1,000 people attending, 18 period artisans and crafters, music by Carolina Blue, tours of the house, delicious food by Mayberry Restaurant, birthday cake and ice cream.
If you haven’t toured the Allison-Deaver House recently, come enjoy the beautiful grounds, the new Gash walking trail and view all the new furniture additions to the house. Our docents tell the story of the Allison-Deaver House to educate our visitors of the rich history of the house and of Transylvania County, preserving it for generations to come. An easy side trip when exploring Pisgah National Forest (PNF) or the Blue Ridge Parkway; the Allison-Deaver House is located at the junction of highways 280, 64 & 276 next to the entrance to PNF and Forest Gate shopping center.
Allison-Deaver House
The Allison-Deaver House dates from 1815 and is believed to be the oldest standing frame house in Western North Carolina. It is owned by The Transylvania County Historical Society and is open for visitors June 2, 2018 through October 20th, Saturdays 1-4, Sundays 1-4 and by special appointment.
The Allison-Deaver House is located near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, NC at
2753 Asheville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 (view map)
Open Hours: Tours are Saturdays 1-4 and Sundays 1-4 beginning June 2, 2018 through October 20th except when there is a festival in downtown Brevard, NC.
The Society also owns the 1872 McGaha Chapel in Cedar Mountain, which is only open by appointment. Call our office and leave a message for appointments – 828-884-5137.
MaGaha Chapel, Cedar Mountain, NC
Board of Directors
Marjorie Lillard, President
Greg Hunter, Vice-President
Gene Baker, Treasurer
Mathew Agrella-Sevilla
Thomas Brim
Charles Burden
Marilyn Compton
Rachel Hall
Ellen Harris
Martha Jaye Johnson
Don Jordan
Jim Lyday
Mac Morrow
Keith Parker
Jinks Ramsey
Marcy Thompson
Susan Kaczmarek, Program Manager
P.O. Box 2061, Brevard, NC 28712
(828) 884-5137
Email us!
- Check back for new events.