Celebrating Archives Month
Every October archivists around the country celebrate American Archives Month. During this time (and, honestly, all the time) special libraries around the country work to raise awareness about public records, archives, and special collections.
Buncombe County and Western North Carolina host several archives and special collections libraries that are accessible to the public. If you’re interested in exploring local history beyond the Buncombe County Special Collections be sure to check out the new digital platform Southern Appalachian Digital Collections. A partnership between UNC Asheville and Western Carolina University has resulted in the digital publication of thousands of documents. You can find even more exploring the “Resources for Researchers” page on the BCSC website.
Archives Month is a great time to lend your support to the work we do here at Buncombe County Special Collections, as well. There are several upcoming vacancies on the Friends of Special Collections executive board, and joining as a Friend is always open!
For more information about joining the Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections please contact Catherine Amos (Secretary-Treasurer) at friendsbcsc@gmail.com.
“Sometimes it seemed that work was the only certainty, the only lasting truth in a human world of fitful change. Work and the mountains remained.”
Wilma Dykeman, The Tall Woman
Upcoming Events
Plan to join us for one or more of our upcoming events. Links with additional information are listed below each image.
Oral History Backpacks Available Now!
Oral history backpacks are now available to check out from us at Pack Memorial Library or from your local branch!
Each backpack includes a digital voice recorder, accessories such as a tripod for hands-free interviewing, and documentation to guide you through the process of planning, conducting, and preserving your oral history recordings.
The holidays are a great time of year for collecting oral histories as you gather with family and friends. If you have an oral history project in mind, our staff is happy to talk with you about your ideas and answer questions.
For more information, check out our Oral History Resources page.
From the Friends
The Friends of BCSC help us go above and beyond when providing programs and services to our patrons. We’re always looking forward to hosting more programs and expanding our circle of friends!
In 2022, your membership as a Friend of the Buncombe County Special Collections will help support special new initiatives including a partnership with the YMI Cultural Center and the development of a new exhibit featuring the history of the land we now call Pack Square.
Our goal is to raise $15,000 to support this work in the coming year. We hope you will join us in meeting and exceeding that goal.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of the Friends of Special Collections will be held Wednesday November 16, 2022 at 4:00 pm in the BCSC reading room. All dues-paying members of the Friends are always welcome to attend. We kindly ask that you RSVP.
To RSVP to the meeting or for questions about The Friends of Buncombe County Special Collections, please reach out to friendsbcsc@gmail.com.
