Brent Martin’s book includes 75 of Masa’s photos alongside essays that contextualize the imagery through a modern-day lens.
The 400 Years Project celebrates Indigenous photographers
The collaborative project archives historical work by Indigenous photographers and helps contemporary Native people committed to the craft.
Local historians reflect on the Vance Monument, one year after its removal
While some historians were already telling fuller stories before the monument’s removal, others have been inspired by its absence.
Asheville Archives: Hyperbole in defense of Mission Hospital, 1923
In 1923, both the city and county questioned the fairness of certain policies in place at Mission Hospital. The scrutiny provoked the ire of The Asheville Citizen’s editorial section.
Indigenous Walls Project brings Cherokee language to public spaces
Jared Wheatley’s mural project seeks to stimulate conversations between Native and non-Native people.
Asheville Archives: City loses its cool over ice shortage, 1919
For multiple days in August 1919, the city was without ice. During that time, the Asheville Ice Co. implored residents “to watch every possible source of waste and to make every pound of ice go as far as it can for the next two or three weeks.”
Asheville Archives: Local officials promote a cleaner city, 1909
In 1909, Asheville launched Clean-up Day, which later evolved into Clean-up Week. Residents and city officials rallied behind it, going as far as to publish a poem about the advantages of the annual happening.
Local author’s new book honors Olmsted’s work with national parks
The Asheville-based author discusses the book he’s been working toward his entire career.
Asheville Archives: City seeks smoke inspector to remedy air pollution, 1916-40
In 1916, the city of Asheville hired A.H. Vanderhoof as its first smoke inspector. Though an ordinance was quickly passed to reduce excess smoke, enforcement proved difficult.
Friends of the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School complete repairs to historic building
Thirteen years after the Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School’s fate was in jeopardy, individuals committed to its preservation have completed an extensive round of repairs.
Kristy Woodson Harvey’s new novel explores a vanished Biltmore heirloom
The Beaufort-based author conducted in-depth research about the Vanderbilts for her contemporary historical novel.
The Waters and Harvey Show celebrates a milestone
“We try to bring a little soul, a little blues and jazz to the conversation,” says Darin Waters, co-host of “The Waters and Harvey Show,” on BPR. “We try to show that the life of a scholar doesn’t have to be, and isn’t, boring.”
Asheville historic renovation efforts kick into full gear
To bring old buildings up to modern-day standards involves architectural assessments, electrical upgrades, plumbing revamps and structural repairs — challenges that many preservationists are now facing, and seeking to fund, as Asheville’s turn-of-the-century landmarks continue into their second hundred years.
Six-lane track unanimously approved for Memorial Stadium
Neighborhood residents had been asking for a new track as part of renovations to Memorial Stadium since 2017, after Asheville voters approved a $74 million bond issue in 2016.
Local archivist discovers distant relative’s criminal history in WNC
On Thursday, March 24, 6-7 p.m., Western North Carolina Historical Association will host Katherine Cutshall for a live Zoom talk about her research, West End Women: Liquor, Labor and Love in New Deal Urban Appalachia.
WCU professor shares research on Cherokee women activism
Susan Abram’s live Zoom webinar for the Western North Carolina Historical Association takes place March 10.
Asheville Archives: The Negro Welfare Council launches in Asheville, 1933
In the summer of 1933, the Negro Welfare Council was established and quickly made a positive impact in Asheville’s Black neighborhoods.
Revisiting Asheville’s Black baseball history
For a few years in the 1940s, Asheville was home to one of the top Black professional baseball teams in the South. Here’s the story of the Asheville Blues.
Nikwasi Initiative efforts selected for new Smithsonian traveling museum
The community building between Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members and white residents of Franklin will be honored in the Spark! Places of Innovation traveling museum.
Q&A: Tonia Plummer, operations manager at the YMI
Plummer shares her thoughts on the Young Men’s Institute Cultural Center, which celebrated its 129th birthday Feb. 12.
Asheville Archives: Mabel Wolfe Wheaton’s contributions to American literature
Though known primarily as the sister of Asheville author Thomas Wolfe, Mabel Wolfe Wheaton had a story of her own that was published posthumously in 1961.