A Glimpse Into the Past

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: June 2023

Highlands Historical Society is open for the season at the Highlands Historic Village at 520 North 4th Street in Highlands. Seasonal hours through October are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. Additionally, they have several special events planned for the season.

Visitors to Historical Society’s grounds can tour the historic Elizabeth Wright Prince House, the oldest existing residence in Highlands, built on this site in 1877. The Museum and Archives next door are housed in the original Hudson Library building, moved onto this property and preserved by the Historical Society.

The museum houses a number of exhibits and photographs depicting Highlands’ History in great detail, including exhibits on Dr. Mary Lapham who built a TB Sanatorium here; an extensive collection of photographs of the area taken in 1929 by George Masa, who became known as the greatest photographer in the Smoky Mountains; and a collection of military uniforms from Highlanders who have served their country, among many others.

The museum will feature two new exhibits this year: The Mountain Music of Highlands and Golf on the Highlands Plateau. The Mountain Music of Highlands is an interactive exhibit that explores the rich legacy of Old Time and Bluegrass music played on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. From parlors and porches to parks, pews, and pubs, mountain music has been played in a wide variety of venues by a richly talented assortment of musicians, past and present.

Through video, audio, and photos, the differences in musical styles are explained as are the special instruments which give the two genres their unique sounds. The exhibit culminates with tales told of some of the fascinating people who shaped the musical culture that still rings out in Highlands today.

Back this year for the first time since 2011 is the popular Walk in the Park where community actors and actresses will portray well-known Highlands historic figures near their graves in Memorial Park. Held this year on Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15, from 4:00 P.M. until 5:30 P.M. Tickets for this event will be $15, with children under 12 free. Parking will be at the Highlands Community Center and ticket holders will be bused to the Highlands Memorial Park.

Plans are also currently underway for their annual Big Hats and Bow Ties Brunch to be held in August. September brings the popular Dahlia Festival back to town on the weekend after Labor Day.

For more information email the historical society at [email protected].