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.
2016 Events
Allison-Deaver House Season Opening
Membership Drive Event
Saturday, May 7th ~ 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Allison-Deaver House
The public is invited to a fun filled afternoon with tours of the house and barn, music by local bands,
and roasting free marshmallows and $1 hot dogs by the campfire.
1:00-2:00 pm “Land of Waterfalls Dulcimer Group”
2:00-3:00 pm “Ray Adams Mountain Music”
3:00-4:00 pm “Lynn Goldsmith & Jeter Mountain Band”
Antique Appraisal Fair
Saturday, June 11 ~ 1:00 – 4:00 pm
St. Timothy’s Methodist Church
Bring your items and have a certified appraiser assess the value.
$5 per item (limit of 3 items)
Sunday Front Porch Talk
Sunday, June 12 ~ 2:00-3:00 pm
Allison-Deaver House
“The Reconstruction Era in Transylvania County and the McGaha Chapel’s Role”
Dr. G. Keith Parker, Speaker
Old-Time Singing
Sunday, June 19 ~ 2:00 pm
McGaha Chapel
Come join in an old-time singing of Civil War period songs.
Sponsored by Charlie and Elke Burden.
Sunday Front Porch Talk
Sunday, July 10 ~ 2:00-3:00 pm
Allison-Deaver House
“The Gillespie Rifles”
Dennis Glazener, Speaker, a Gillespie descendant
Dennis will discuss the differences between the Matthew rifle and the Philip rifle.
Sunday Front Porch Talk
Sunday, August 14~ 2:00-3:00 pm
Allison-Deaver House
“History of Mountain Music and the Instruments”
Tom Anderson & Friends
Sunday Front Porch Talk
Sunday, September 11~ 2:00-3:00 pm
Allison-Deaver House
“History and Demonstration of the Apple Press”
John Stroup
Sunday Front Porch Talk
Thursday, October 6~5:30-7:30 pm
Allison-Deaver House
Hors d’oeuvres, beverages and music
by Four Seasons Ensemble (Members only)
Storytelling Down by the Barn
Saturday, October 15 ~ 5:30 pm
Allison-Deaver House Barn
A fun family event with storytelling by Gary Greene and marshmallow roasting by the campfire.
The Allison-Deaver house will open for the season
May 7, 2016 until October 16th.
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 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
Eugene R. Baker, Vice-President
Edwin Jones, Treasurer
Marilyn Compton
Jack Hudson
Martha Jaye Johnson
Marjorie Lillard
Jim Lyday
Keith Parker
Don Surrette
Gladys Taylor
Marcy Thompson
Susan Kaczmarek, Program Manager
P.O. Box 2061, Brevard, NC 28712
(828) 884-5137
Email us!
- October 6, 2016 5:30 PMMember and Supporter Reception
- October 15, 2016 5:30 PMStorytelling Down by the Barn
- October 16, 2016 1:00 PMClosing Day of the Allison-Deaver House