Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County to hold Blue Ridge Parkway info session in anticipation of landmark status

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County will hold an information session on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center Auditorium (195 Hemphill Knob Road also known as Parkway Milepost 384) on Thursday, July 16, at 5:30 p.m., in anticipation of “the imminent award of National Historic Landmark status,” according to a release from PSABC.

During the event, speakers Steven Kidd and Cynthia Walton will discuss “how the Parkway style evolved via the successful collaboration of engineers, landscape architects and historians. The narrative trail runs from 19th century vernacular cabins to Civilian Conservation Corp rustic structures with Mission-style motifs through the modernist influences of the later 20th century.”

“When you drive the Parkway, you see a distinctive look to all the buildings and bridges, overlooks and signage,” says Kieta Osteen-Cochrane, PSABC education committee chair. “These structures are beautiful, a worthy compliment to the land itself and deserving of special recognition.”

Here is the full release from the Preservation Society:

The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County (PSABC) plans a singular presentation on Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) structures and the imminent award of National Historic Landmark status. While the BRP itself was begun in the 1930s and completed over 50 years, the story of Parkway buildings is just as long and varied. Steven Kidd and Cynthia Walton, our knowledgeable speakers, will discuss how the Parkway style evolved via the successful collaboration of engineers, landscape architects and historians. The narrative trail runs from 19th century vernacular cabins to Civilian Conservation Corp rustic structures with Mission-style motifs through the modernist influences of the later 20th century.

Mr. Kidd, a BRP cultural resource specialist and archaeologist, recently completed documenting and evaluating the Parkway’s 900+ structures as part of the National Historic Landmark (NHL) nomination process. Ms. Walton, historian and NHL Program Manager for the Southeast, provided support and technical assistance for the project. Together, they’ll share some of the most interesting facets of their research and Parkway prospects for National Historic Landmark designation.

“When you drive the Parkway, you see a distinctive look to all the buildings and bridges, overlooks and signage,” says Kieta Osteen-Cochrane, Education Committee Chair. “These structures are beautiful, a worthy compliment to the land itself and deserving of special recognition.”

The program is scheduled on Thursday, July 16th, beginning at 5:30 pm. The location is the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center Auditorium, 195 Hemphill Knob Road in Asheville, also known as Parkway Milepost 384. Generous sponsors include Terry and Ted Van Duyn and the BRP Visitor Center. PSABC members and all area residents are invited. A $10 donation is suggested.

About the PSABC:
The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County is a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to sustain the heritage and sense of place that is Asheville and Buncombe County through preservation and promotion of the unique historic resources of the region.

Established in 1976, the PSABC acts in four key ways to support this mission: endangered property intervention using preservation easements, a revolving fund and technical field services; preservation advocacy promoting and defending important historic resources and neighborhoods; the Griffin Awards for Historic Preservation recognizing individuals, businesses and organizations that have utilized a preservation ethic in their projects, and; preservation education programs throughout the year informing the community of the importance of history and promoting valuable preservation tools and efforts.