10.26.2023

Today’s Forecast

74º | Mostly sunny | 9% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:46 a.m. | Sunset 6:41 p.m.

Inside the Asheville Museum of History

Explore centuries of our region’s key events at the newly opened Asheville Museum of History

View artifacts + read up on our region’s key developments and traditions. | Photo by AVLtoday

Back in April, the WNC Historical Association announced plans to open the Asheville Museum of History — and after months of work, the museum opened its doors yesterday, Wednesday, Oct. 25.

Previously a house museum operated by the WNC Historical Association, the Smith-McDowell House underwent extensive renovations to transform into the Asheville Museum of History.

Take a look inside

Through permanent and rotating exhibits, the museum offers an expansive view of our region’s history and all of the communities that have contributed to it. “We want to be representative of everyone. We want people to be able to see themselves and their history here,” shares Museum Director Anne Chesky.

As you walk through the entrance, you’ll find tall glass kiosks encasing artifacts that illustrate the critical developments and traditions that shaped our area, from railroad construction to folk dancing.

Take your time in the hallway as you explore a timeline of 103 key events in WNC’s cultural, economic, environmental, political, and social history, ranging from c1000 CE to the present day. This display is filled with major events that you may know a bit about, but there are plenty of engrossing inclusions that will give you a new perspective on the historic happenings of all 23 WNC counties.

timeline showing WNC history with artifacts in glass cases — Travel through centuries of WNC history.
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Photo by AVLtoday

Then, dive into Spanish Renaissance architecture in the temporary exhibit showcasing the life and work of Rafael Guastavino, which was curated by MIT Professor of Architecture John A. Ochsendorf.

The museum is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for ages 7-17, and free for kiddos ages 6 and younger. Pro tip: Locals can get in for free on Wednesdays — just show your ID at check-in.

Getting involved

Beyond exploring the museum, there are plenty of ways you can get involved. Consider purchasing a membership or volunteering to be a docent (particularly on Saturdays). Plus, if you have any historical objects stored away in your attic, the staff can help preserve them.

Events

Thursday, Oct. 26

Aston Park Disc Golf Grand Opening | Thursday, Oct. 26 | 3:30-6:30 p.m. | Aston Park, 336 Hilliard Ave., Asheville | Free | No matter your skill level, you’re invited to tee off at the new course — plus, celebrate with live music, a scavenger hunt, and prizes.
The Crossing: A Short-Film Screening | Thursday, Oct. 26 | 5-9 p.m. | plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St., Asheville | Free | The Safe Passage Coalition Fund is presenting a series of short films about road ecology in Southern Appalachia.

Friday, Oct. 27

Pup Portraits and Fundraiser | Friday, Oct. 27 | 4-8 p.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse, 135 Coxe Ave., Asheville | Free | Let your four-legged friend pose for a glamour shot while you enjoy a Maker’s Mark cocktail — proceeds benefit the Asheville Humane Society.
Marquee Masquerade | Friday, Oct. 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Marquee Asheville, 36 Foundy St., Asheville | Free | Kick off the Halloweekend with a costume contest, a 360° photo booth, drinks from Saint Brighid’s, and music from DJ Nex Millen.

Saturday, Oct. 28

The 13th Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 1-10 p.m. | Pack Square Green, 80 Court Pl., Asheville | Free | Experimental theater, circus arts, and live music blend together for a festival spookily situated under the full lunar eclipse — plus, vendors, food, drinks, and art installations.
Asheville on Bikes Pumpkin Pedaller | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 1:30-7 p.m. | New Belgium Brewery, 21 Craven St., Asheville | Free | Arrive in your finest ‘fits for the costume contest, then pick one of three routes to participate in this annual community ride.

Sunday, Oct. 29

Uncommon Market | Sunday, Oct. 29 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 1 Foundy St., Asheville | Free | Shop from 115 local vendors at Asheville’s largest curated pop-up market.

Monday, Oct. 30

AVLtoday Storytelling Open Mic: “Pride in Place” | Monday, Oct. 30 | 7-10 p.m. | Barrel Room at Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Asheville | Free | Step up to the mic and share a short story or memory of Asheville that brings you joy — anything that makes you proud to be here.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Wellness

Hear the crisp crunch of autumn leaves more clearly

A user holds the Horizon Go by hear.com. | Photo by hear.com

Imagine the crunch of leaves underfoot, the cries of geese flying south, the wind blowing through the trees, the crackle of a bonfire. What if you couldn’t hear the sounds of fall clearly?

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Try Horizon with a 45-day trial

News Notes

Civic

At its Tuesday, Oct. 24 meeting, the Asheville City Council accepted a Disparity Study report that examined its contracting and purchasing activities from the past five years. This study provides the legal basis for the extension of a race- and gender-conscious contracting policy, and recommendations from the report are being reviewed by City staff.

Open

Pennsylvania-based franchise Voodoo Brewing opened the doors to its new Arden location. Find hearty options to eat, like burgers, pizza, and pierogies provided by European Market — plus, the brewery’s flagship beers and a variety of other local brews on tap. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Community

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority issued over $6 million in grants for three projects. The Buncombe County Sports Park received $4 million, the WNC Agricultural Center received $500,000, and Harrah’s Cherokee Center - Asheville received $1.58 million. See what the funding will cover.

Regional

The NC General Assembly released proposed redistricting maps for state house, state senate, and congressional districts. Buncombe County Board of Commissioner districts follow state house districts and could be impacted if new proposed changes are approved. Submit feedback on the maps to the NC General Assembly.

Learn

Want to level up your holiday hosting skills? Ashley English can help with that through a variety of seasonal homesteading, homemaking, and cooking classes at the new WNC FoodWorks shared-use kitchen in the WNC Farmers Market. Classes range from preserving your apple harvest to holiday gifts, with the first happening next weekend.

State

NC students will receive increased access to school breakfast programs thanks to $1.4 million in federal funding. On Tuesday, Oct. 24, Gov. Roy Cooper announced that the money will be provided to school districts and charter schools as grants.

Civic

Take your eats to the streets

Asheville City Council serves up changes to the Outdoor Dining Program

An example of a streetery at WALLS Wine Bar. | Photo via The City of Asheville

The City of Asheville’s Outdoor Dining Program is dishing out some updates. The Asheville City Council approved the changes at its Tuesday, Oct. 24 meeting, with updates made based on the findings from the AVL Shares Space initiatives that were launched during the pandemic.

Let’s dig into the changes:

Parklets are now rebranded as “streeteries” — and they’ll be here for the long haul. These sidewalk extensions will be up for annual permitting, allowing restaurants to maintain dining structures expanding into on-street parking spaces and sidewalks.
A new fee structure will be put into place to promote multiple public benefits, incentivizing the spaces to be used outside of business hours.
An outdoor dining guide shares standards + best practices for the application process (not to be confused with our guide of 30+ outdoor dining spots we shared earlier this week).

Updates to the program will take effect in January 2024 — the application process for businesses will open Monday, Nov. 13 via the City’s Development Portal, with information sessions coming soon.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

To make the opening of the Asheville Museum of History even sweeter, there are kid-friendly activities to keep the young ones occupied while you explore, including crossword puzzles (which I’d personally like to try) and a scavenger hunt, complete with prizes.

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