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 June 2, 2018 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.
2018 Events
Vintage and Antique Sale
Saturday, April 28
10am-3pm
Allison-Deaver House
Collectibles~China~Furniture~Art
Historic House Ramble
Saturday, May 19
12pm-4pm
Tickets: $15, available at the Transylvania Heritage Museum
Explore nine homes that have shaped the history of Brevard over the last 150 years.
Ticket sales benefit the Transylvania Historical Society and the Transylvania Heritage Museum.
McGaha Chapel Singing
Saturday, June 2nd
2:30pm
McGaha Chapel-Cedar Mountain
Sunday History Talk
“The history of the Monarch butterflies, their habitat, feeding sources and how to attract them to your garden.”
Speaker-Joyce Pearsall
Sunday, June 10th
2:00pm
Allison-Deaver House
Sunday History Talk
“The History of Timber Framing and Demonstration”
Speaker: Matthew Agrella-Sevilla, Wheel House Builders
Sunday, July 8th
2:00pm
Allison-Deaver House
Sunday History Talk
“Trains and the Transformation of Transylvania County”
Speaker: Ray Rapp, Western North Carolina Rail Corridor Committee and former State Representative
Sunday, August 12th
2:00pm
Allison-Deaver House
Sunday History Talk
“Hemlock Trees– Natural Pests, Protection and Treatment.”
Speaker-Sara deFosset, Hemlock Restoration Initiative
Sunday, September 9th
2:00pm
Allison-Deaver House
Sunday History Talk
“The Founding of Transylvania County During the Civil War Amid Conflicting Loyalties”
Speakers-Keith Parker and Leslie Parker Borhaug
Sunday, September 23rd
2:00pm
Allison-Deaver House
Afternoon Tea and Trunk Show
Join us for a traditional afternoon tea and jewelry trunk show.
Saturday, September 29th
3:00pm-5:00pm
Tickets: $25
The Inn at Brevard
Menu: Tea Sandwiches, Scones, Clotted Cream, Biscuits, Cookies and Tea
Annual Meeting and Dinner
“Presidential Reconstruction in North Carolina and Transylvania County”
Speaker: Chris Meekins, State Archives of North Carolina
Tickets: $20
Thursday, October 18th
6:00pm
First United Methodist Church
Singing and Storytelling
“Songs of the Big Outdoors”
Cindy Carpenter
Saturday, October 20
5:30 pm
Allison-Deaver House Barn
“Treatment of Hemlock Trees”
Workshop showing how to treat hemlock trees.
Hemlock Restoration Initiative
Saturday, October 27th
10:00am
Allison-Deaver House
McGaha Chapel Singing
Sunday, December 2nd
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
Mac Morrow, President
Marjorie Lillard, Vice-President
Gene Baker, Treasurer
Mathew Agrella-Sevilla
Charlie Burden
Marilyn Compton
Ellen Harris
Greg Hunter
Martha Jaye Johnson
Don Jordan
Jim Lyday
Keith Parker
Gladys Taylor
Marcy Thompson
Susan Kaczmarek, Program Manager
P.O. Box 2061, Brevard, NC 28712
(828) 884-5137
Email us!
- October 27, 2018Workshop showing how to treat hemlock trees.