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 is currently closed for tours due to extensive repairs. The grounds and Glesne-Gash Walking Trail are open for picnics and walking.
2017 Events
Allison-Deaver Hillside Garden Workshop
Saturday, May 6~9:00-11:00 am
with Master Gardeners and TC Cooperative Extension
$10, limited space, pre-registration required, call 884-3109
Allison-Deaver House
Preservation Dinner & Program
Thursday, May 18 – 5:30 pm
Documentary film, “The Land Still Speaks to Us” followed by discussion panel
$20, register by May 4, call 884-5137 or email tchsociety@yahoo.com
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, across from Ingles
Old-Time Singing
Sunday, June 4 ~ 2:00 pm
Come join in an old-time singing of Civil War period songs.
Sponsored by greater Cedar Mountain community
McGaha Chapel
Sunday History Talk
Sunday, June 11 ~ 2:00-3:00 pm
“18th Century Surgeon”
Al Denn, Speaker
Allison-Deaver Barn
Sunday History Talk
Sunday, July 9 ~ 2:00-3:00 pm
“The Beekeeper’s Buzz”
Mike Elliott, Speaker
Pure Pisgah Honey
Allison-Deaver Barn
Sunday History Talk
Sunday, August 13~ 2:00-3:00 pm
“Heirloom Herbals: Appalachian Medicine & Wildcraft Edibles”
Laura Gardner, Speaker
Allison-Deaver Barn
Sunday History Talk
Sunday, September 10~ 2:00-3:00 pm
“McGaha Chapel & the Community Around It”
Keith Parker, Speaker
McGaha Chapel
Annual Meeting, Dinner and Speaker
Tuesday, September 12 ~ 6:00 pm
“History of Archaeology in Transylvania County”
Scott Ashcraft, US Forest Service Archaeologist
$20 register by September 5, call 884-5137 or email tchsociety@yahoo.com
Lula’s (Old Hickory House), Country Club Road
Down By the Barn Stories and Music
Saturday, October 21 ~ 5:30 pm
A fun family event with mountain tales, music and slightly spooky stories followed by marshmallow roasting by the campfire.
Allison-Deaver House Barn
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 May 7, 2016 through October 16th, 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 May 7th through October 16th 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
Mac Morrow, President
Marcy Thompson, Vice-President
Edwin Jones, Treasurer
Gene Baker
Charlie Burden
Marilyn Compton
The Honorable Emory Gash*
Martha Jaye Johnson
Marjorie Lillard
Jim Lyday
Keith Parker
Gladys Taylor
Susan Kaczmarek, Program Manager
*Deceased
P.O. Box 2061, Brevard, NC 28712
(828) 884-5137
Email us!
- August 13, 2017 2:00 PMSunday History Talk
- September 10, 2017 2:00 PMSunday History Talk
- September 12, 2017 6:00 PMAnnual Dinner and Program
- October 21, 2017 5:30 PMDown By the Barn Stories & Music