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.

Please help us to raise the $150,000.00 that is our share!

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

We’re Open for Tours!

Beginning Saturday, May 10, 2025 the House will be open for tours on Saturday afternoons from 1-4PM.

You may also schedule a tour of the Allison-Deaver House or McGaha Chapel by filling out the form below or emailing tchsociety@yahoo.com.

For more details and an updated schedule of events see below or visit “Allison-Deaver House” on Facebook.com

Upcoming events

  • “Songs Your Grandparents Sang” Sing-a-Long

    Saturday, June 7
    2:30PM at the McGaha Chapel

    We will sing for 45 minutes and then enjoy watermelon on the lawn. Please park at the Sherwood Forest Community building. Shuttles will be available or you may walk to the Chapel.

  • Appalachian Folk Fest 2025

    Saturday, June 28
    10:00AM-3:00PM

    The Transylvania Heritage Museum presents its 4th annual Appalachian Folk Festival. This is a community celebration and we are always delighted to welcome new folks. The one day festival offers a great lineup of musicians, craft booths, artisans at work, story tellers, children's activities and guided tours of the 1815 Allison Deaver House, the oldest frame house west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the perfect way to experience the rich and vibrant culture of Appalachia!

    Additional Information

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

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  • 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