June 10th

Fort San Juan and Joara Archeological Site
Take a step back in time and explore the fascinating history of Fort San Juan and Joara, the site of the earliest known European settlement in the interior United States. Join us for a guided tour with Mike Carpenter of Exploring Jora through this remarkable archaeological site, stories of early encounters between Native American communities and Spanish explorers. Discover recent archaeological findings, walk the grounds where history was made, and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of this region. Whether you’re a history buff, student, or simply curious, this is a unique opportunity to experience the past in a truly immersive way. Don’t miss this chance to connect with North Carolina’s deep and layered past!

June 14th

Join us for a historic tour of the Montreat College Athletic Campus, the former site on In-the-Oaks. We will take a short tour through the house and then walk the grounds of the former Terry Estate located on 89 wooded acres within the town of Black Mountain. Hike leader, Alan Edwards, will share the history of the Terry’s and how they came to build In-the-Oaks, the selling of the property to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, the second owners of the property and organizers of Camp Henry, up to Montreat College’s acquisition of the estate in 2001.

Difficulty:Moderate, 2 miles

June 21st

Join The Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center Haunted History walking tours in downtown Black Mountain’s historic district. Traveling some of Black Mountain’s most storied streets, visitors will learn about the humorous, haunting and harrowing history of the Swannanoa Valley while being visited by some of its most famous spirits. This event, which is a fundraiser for the museum, will highlight local tragedies and triumphs- and the many ghosts, friendly and frustrated, born from these events.

June 26th

Join Swannanoa Valley resident and local historian Mary Standaert for an engaging illustrated lecture exploring the history of the Swannanoa Valley through the lens of postcards. Drawing from her personal collection a, Standaert will highlight how postcards have captured the changing landscape, daily life, and cultural memory of the Valley for over a century.

In addition to the local focus, she will also trace the broader history of the postcard—from its origins as a utilitarian communication tool to its role in tourism, propaganda, and personal storytelling.

Mary Standaert is the author of the book Buncombe County Name Game and a passionate advocate for preserving local history through everyday ephemera.

Come discover how a simple postcard can carry the spirit of a place across time.