Join us on Monday, June 24 for a presentation by Presbyterian Heritage Center Director Ron Vinson on the World War II detention of Axis diplomats, businessmen, and their families at Assembly Inn in Montreat. In October 1942, the Montreat Retreat Association agreed to house German and Japanese civilians until April 1st (later extended to April 30), 1943. The German and other Axis allied countries contingent was housed on the two lower floors of Assembly Inn, with the Japanese women and children primarily on the upper third floor.

Seating is limited. Please reserve your spot below.

About History Cafe
Ever wonder how Asheville came to get its drinking water from Black Mountain? What slavery looked like in western North Carolina (Yes, there were enslaved people here.)? How wagons, stagecoaches, and trains made it up the steep grade from Old Fort into Ridgecrest? Come to the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center on the fourth Monday of the month at 10:30am for a discussion about local history. Come start off your morning getting to know our region a little better!

Cost: Free for museum members and students with ID. Please RSVP below. Nonmembers may pay $5 in advance online or a $5-15 suggested donation at the door. Coffee will be provided.

Designed for adults and modeled after the popular Science Cafes taking place across the nation, Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center’s monthly History Cafe offers lectures and workshops led by local experts and researchers on regional history topics. These hour-long meet-ups engage the many stories that have shaped our southern Appalachian community as a place — from geological changes to native histories, musical innovations, pioneer experiences, and labor struggles — and will end with informal discussion bringing our shared history into context with contemporary issues.

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