Museums & Heritage Sites in Brevard NC

Allison-Deaver House

Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest on NC 280, the historic Allison-Deaver House provides visitors a rare glimpse into life in Transylvania in the early 19th Century. With its oldest portion dating from 1815, the Allison-Deaver House is the oldest known standing frame house west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its grounds and gardens offer picnic spots and event grounds throughout the year.

Silvermont Mansion

In 1902, Joseph and Elizabeth Silversteen moved to Brevard from Pennsylvania and built the gracious thirty-three-room Greek Revival Mansion four blocks east of the courthouse on Main Street. The Silvermont Mansion, now placed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses many community organizations and special events, and its extensive grounds provide visitors and residents of Brevard with a casual recreation center, with gazebos, basketball courts, playground, tennis courts, walking paths and Thursday night bluegrass jams on its ample front port from 7:30-10:00 pm.

Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas

At the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas, Veterans are honored with displays of notable artifacts, vehicles, weaponry, uniforms, and special events that tell the story of our nation’s armed conflicts and the courage of our servicemen and women. You’ll see artifacts from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the War on Terror. You can also ask volunteers to tell you the fascinating stories behind the artifacts.

Transylvania Heritage Museum

The history of Transylvania County and its people live on at the fascinating Transylvania Heritage Museum, through educational programs, collections of artifacts, and walking tours.

The Cradle of Forestry

The Cradle of Forestry, America’s first forestry school, features lush forest trails, historic cabins, a real logging train, and the informative Forest Discovery Center, where visitors of all ages can explore hands-on exhibits, films, programs, and events.

Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI)

Historically a satellite tracking station, and once operated by NASA, PARI is one of only two internationally certified Dark Sky Parks in North Carolina. The institute draws curious travelers and esteemed scientists from around the world to tour its impressive telescopes and exhibits, participate in science programs, and enjoy nature’s nighttime light show of brilliant stars, meteors, and constellations. Their vast summer camp program provides unique hands-on exposure to STEM principles and space exploration.