Historic Presentations

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: March 2025

Our beloved mountain community is celebrating a major milestone this year: the Town of Highlands’ 150th Anniversary.

The Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment and the Highlands Historical Society have unveiled their collaboration on four compelling, educational presentations on the history of Highlands.

Through these programs, CLE and HHS hope to transport attendees back in time, explore the foundation and evolution of our small town since 1875, and illustrate how Highlands has blossomed into the haven as we know it today.

Tracy Foor, President of HHS concurs, saying, “Partnering with CLE is an inspiring link. In offering these unique opportunities to deeply delve into Highlands history and culture, it reminds us of gifts of our hard-working ancestry, puts our little town in the spotlight, and generates pride.

“The 150th Anniversary of the founding of Highlands has motivated both of our organizations to look for new ways to reach out to those who are interested in learning even more about the past of this wonderful community we are fortunate to call home.”

On May 27, landscape artist and travelling painter Paul Arsneault will lead an art history presentation reflecting on the milestones of his 50 year career as a professional artist, the 150th anniversary of Highlands, and the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

He presents through his paintings and stories compelling examples of the enduring spirit of independence that unifies humanity. Paul has painted many scenes here in Highlands, NC, including historical homes.

On May 29, Dr. Elizabeth Engelhardt, Distinguished Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Fine Arts and Humanities in the College of Arts and Science at UNC Chapel Hill, will lead an insightful discussion centered around her book, Boardinghouse Women: How Southern Keepers, Cooks, Nurses, Widows and Runaways Shaped Modern America. Dr. Engelhardt will share how much of modern America owes a debt to Southern boardinghouse women, and how these hubs of innovation and engines of financial independence shaped the region.

On June 20, HHS President Foor will transport participants back 150 years with his fascinating presentation on Satulah Mountain. Learn from a local expert about the neighborhood that was eventually created on the mountain itself, and the unique circumstances and personalities of early residents that led them to build their homes in such an extreme location.

Join Eleanor Harvey, Smithsonian American Art Museum Senior Curator, on July 22 for a riveting art history presentation on Henry Ossawa Tanner, the first African-American painter to gain international acclaim. Tanner spent a summer in Highlands following an illness, and painted several works during that time depicting the beauty and nature of the Plateau.

Registration for all CLE programs will begin in April. Visit clehighlands.com for more information.