BCSC News: April-May 2024 Events

Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 6 – 7 pm
Lord Auditorium, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries Black fiddlers routinely provided the music for dancing at social events throughout North America. While white musicians performed in formal concerts, it was primarily Black musicians who played for the dances. This was true in the North as well as in the South. In this presentation, we will have a look at the legacy of Black fiddling in America, from its African roots to the present day.

This program is part of the “One Book, One Buncombe” community-wide read. Learn more about the community-wide read here.

Saturday, May 4, 2024, 10:30am – 12pm
Activity Room, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street

Land of the Sky 101 is a community learning circle for those who are interested in the history of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Western North Carolina.

This four-part series of readings and discussions is modeled after the themes of the exhibit An Incomplete History of Buncombe County in the BCSC reading room. Each session will be facilitated by a Buncombe County Special Collections librarian or special guest who will share their expert knowledge, additional resources, and set the context for the conversation.

For our second session of the 2024 cohort, we will dive into the complexities of family lineage with these two books: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb and A Nation of Descendants: Politics and the Practice of Genealogy in U.S. History by Francesca Morgan.

Spots are limited–be sure to register in advance! Plan ahead for future sessions: view a complete list of dates and titles here.

Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30
Lord Auditorium, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood Street

Together with the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County, BCSC will host a panel discussion regarding the recent addition of Black heritage sites to the National Register of Historic Places, including the South Asheville Cemetery, Shiloh AME Zion Church, and the Walton Street Park and Pool. Speakers include Dr. Ellen Holmes Pearson, Anita White, Priscilla Robinson, Josi Ward, and Clay Griffith.

Friday, May 17, 2024, 5 – 6pm
West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road

The West Asheville History Project is Buncombe County Public Libraries’ longest-running community-driven archives project. Learn more and share your story at this evening event held in partnership with the West Asheville History Museum!

At the West Asheville Library, from 5–6pm, Clifford W. Cotton II and Robert M. Randolph will share tales of their family history in West Asheville. Attendees are encouraged to share stories of their own–whether of generations past, or of personal experiences of a changing West Asheville.

After the library event, participants are invited to join local historian and curator Conda Painter at the West Asheville History Museum (727 Haywood Road) to explore captivating photos and artifacts, such as the iconic 1930s May’s Market delivery bike and original trolley car bell. From 6:30–7:45pm, Conda will lead a historic walking tour focusing on the captivating 700 block and the remarkable recent discovery of West Asheville’s hidden 1800s cemetery.

At left, from top: Edward W. Pearson, Sr., the “Black Mayor of West Asheville,” with grandson Cliff Cotton at 171 Fayetteville Street, circa 1944, E840-DS; Randolph family at Randolph Pure Oil Service Station, 784 Haywood Road, circa 1947, N305-8A; Opening ceremony of the West Asheville Branch Library, May 31, 1953, photo by Juanita Wilson, A968-8.