The Museum runs through the generosity of our over 600 members and donors and well as the hard work of our 80+ volunteers. Whether you can give a lot or a little we greatly value your support and the Museum could not and would not exist without your help!
Become a Member
The Swannanoa Valley Museum is the largest membership organization in eastern Buncombe County, with more than 600 members. This base provides nearly half the income needed to support its operations. Members receive email notices of monthly events, a bi-annual newsletter, discounts on programs and events, and the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting Buncombe County’s primary museum of general history. Annual memberships are on a rolling basis, with renewals due one year from the date of joining. Museum memberships make excellent gifts for those who love history and heritage and appreciate it being preserved.
Volunteer
There are countless opportunities for volunteers at the Museum. From serving as a docent or helping lead our hikes and events to working with our collections or researching in the local libraries, there is something for everyone.
Donate Now
The operation of the Swannanoa Valley Museum depends on the generosity of the community, both locally and regionally in the form of memberships, volunteerism, in-kind gifts, and cash donations. If you are interested in the work of the Museum, its programs, interpretive exhibits, service to educators and the preservation of the heritage of this area and wish to support it financially, we appreciate donations at any level. The Swannanoa Valley Museum is a 501c3 non-profit, donations are tax-deductible.
Business Membership
As a corporate sponsor, visitors to and members of the museum will recognize your business as a vital part of preserving our community history. The Swannanoa Valley Museum is a 501c3 non-profit, donations are tax-deductible.
Donate Artifacts, Photographs, or Oral Histories
The Museum’s collection is made up, almost entirely, of artifacts and photographs donated from area families. Only in very rare instances do we purchase artifacts for our collection. We are a non-profit organization and your in-kind donations are tax-deductible.
Save An Artifact
For less than $1.00 a day you can help ensure the future of our past. The Swannanoa Valley Museum’s collections are the backbone of the museum. Preservation of these artifacts and photographs tells the important story of our past, but it is also expensive. By sponsoring a historic artifact you help ensure the future preservation of that artifact as well as many other items in the Museum’s collection.
Wall of History
Become a part of the Museum by adding a tile to our Wall of History. This special exhibit is comprised of 4 x 4 inch tiles with photographs of families, homes, fond memories, and other heritage images printed on them.
Honor Others When unsure of what to give for holidays or when you want to say a special “thank you,” a tribute gift is the perfect way to honor friends and family. Donations made in honor or in memory of someone are inscribed in a leather-bound volume that is on display in the Museum. The Swannanoa Valley Museum is a 501c3 non-profit, donations are tax-deductible.
Donate In-Kind
Most of the office furniture and equipment we use has been donated. We accept donations of anything you think a small business could use – printers, computers, paper, file folders, chairs, tables, etc. And if we can’t use it in the Museum we will sell it at our Annual Rummage Sale, which takes place the first Saturday in August. For our Rummage Sale, we will accept any items (except clothing) and collect throughout the year. Please call before dropping off any items. A tax receipt for your in-kind donation is available upon request.