Exciting News!

The Transylvania County Historical Society has received a matching grant from the Lastinger Family Foundation. The Foundation has agreed to match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $150.000.00. The funds raised will be used to repair and restore the Allison-Deaver House and Barn and property.

As of June 24, 2025 we have $110,000.00 towards the $150,000.00 that will be matched. Thank you to all of our donors including the recent grants that we received of $25,000.00 from the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority and $7,000.00 from Transylvania County.

Please help us to raise the last $40,000.00!

Checks may be mailed to

TCHS, PO Box 2061, Brevard, NC 28712

Preserving the cultural and architectural heritage of Transylvania County.

 

Research | Restoration | Documentation | Interpretation

Upcoming events

  • Appalachian Folk Festival

Our Properties

  • The Allison-Deaver House

    The Allison-Deaver House, built in 1815, is believed to be the oldest standing timber frame house in Western North Carolina. The house is unchanged since 1860 and is furnished with period furnishings. It is owned by The Transylvania County Historical Society and is open for tours by appointment. (Please complete the form below to request a tour.) There is no charge for tours, however, donations are welcome! The grounds, gardens, walking trail and picnic tables are open to the public all year around.

    The Allison-Deaver House and its barn are located on almost four acres near the entrance to Pisgah National Forest at 2753 Asheville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

    Learn More

  • The McGaha Chapel

    The historic McGaha Chapel was finished in 1872 during the difficult Reconstruction period following the Civil War. The First United Methodist Church of Brevard turned the Chapel over to the Transylvania County Historical Society in 2007.

    The McGaha Chapel is on Halley Cove Road, off of Highway 276, in Cedar Mountain, NC 28718. It is only open for tours by appointment. It can be rented for weddings, reunions and other special occasions. The Chapel hosts an old time sing-a-long on the first Saturday in June and a Christmas Carol sing the first Sunday in December.

    Learn More