Henderson County Genealogical & Historical Society

06/18/2026

Our country will celebrate Juneteenth tomorrow on June 19th. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure all enslaved people were freed, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. We continue to help with the research of Henderson County families that trace their heritage back to enslaved ancestors. And our research library has multiple books and research material available to help in these efforts.

06/14/2026

Plat of Opera House Block and Smith Office Building Lots, Hendersonville, N.C. compiled from Deeds and Surveys by George W. Tidd, Civil Engineer dated December 20, 1935 (from our plat and map collection). This plat shows the block between 4th and 5th Avenue and north of King Street. It's interesting to see who owned property downtown more than 90 years ago. The Town Hall / Opera House was located on the 400 block downtown and housed the opera hall on the top floor and the police and fire departments on the ground level from 1893 until the 1920s. The original municipal building was torn down in 1925, and a J.C. Penney store was later constructed on the site. (postcards of the Opera House/City Hall from Troy Drake collection)

06/13/2026

Just a small sampling of how we use the former downstairs bank vault. Research done by us and the many researchers who have visited our research center.

06/09/2026

Sharing one of our archived Skyland Magazines that is dated June 28, 1935 (almost 91 years ago). This gives us some insight to what it was like at that time to live or visit Hendersonville. It shows Attractions at Hendersonville Theatres – Editorial Bits – Mail & Train Schedules – Scenic Tours and Maps – Store Advertisements – Bus Schedules – Church Locations – Points of Interest – Sports and Recreation. In the Historical Sketches by Sadie Patton, she writes about Dixon’s Health Resort. The Biltmore Estate was promoted and 91 years ago the admission price was $2.00, movie tickets were 30 or 40 cents and admission to swim at Laurel Park was 15 cents.

06/08/2026

From a recent newspaper article donation. It's an article published December 19, 1969 in the Western Carolina Tribune titled Decades of Changes Affect Hendersonville with three old photos of Hendersonville.

06/06/2026

Remembering D-Day June 6, 1944 (82 years ago)

06/04/2026

You may enjoy this article from our local genealogist Barbara Beauregard:

Genealogy Tools & Software | Preserving | Story Telling Before It’s Too Late: Preserving the Stories Along with Your Family Photos ByBarbara June 4, 2026 There is something deeply emotional about walking through an antique shop and coming across old family photographs for sale.Recently, while anti...

05/29/2026

Starting next Thursday, come visit the farm house and barn loft museum. Drop in any Thursday this summer from 1-3 PM!

05/26/2026

Sharing some great photos taken 30 years ago in our building. These belonged to Helen Ingle, a 30 year volunteer who passed away last year in April 2025. Volunteers and members will recognize our research room in these photos with many differences as out collections have grown. That's Helen in the first photo and she was a great researcher and great friend of our society.

05/24/2026

We are so lucky to live near that we can enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains Park that began 100 years ago thanks to President Calvin Coolidge.

100 years ago today, important steps were taken toward creating Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

While the Smokies weren't officially established until 1934, it was on May 22, 1926, that President Calvin Coolidge signed the bill authorizing its creation.

Whether you come to the Smokies to hike the 848 miles of trails, drive the eight scenic auto tours, discover the 22,000+ documented species, or learn about the region’s rich cultural history, thank you for being part of the Smokies story. Your love for this place helps us protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the next 100 years and beyond.