The grounds and visitors center at Vance Birthplace State Historic Site reopened to the public on Tuesday, Dec. 10, more than two months after the site was closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The site will resume regular operating hours, which are Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The site is closed Sundays, Mondays, and most major holidays.
The site lost several trees in the storm and sustained minor damage to some of the historic structures. Cleanup work and repairs are ongoing. The Vance Cemetery Trail will remain closed until further notice and regular guided tours will not resume until all trees have been cleared. Staff encourage visitors to the area to be respectful of those in the Reems Creek area who are still recovering from the disaster and recommend that visitors to Buncombe County use the Explore Asheville website for help planning a thoughtful, responsible trip in the wake of Helene. The NC Disaster Relief Fund continues to collect donations for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
On Saturday, Dec. 21, Vance Birthplace will host a new holiday event, Storytime By The Fire. Families are invited to listen to a Christmas story inside the Vance house, followed by hot cider, cookies, and candle dipping. Storytimes are offered at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. The event is free to attend, but donations are encouraged.
The Governor Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace is dedicated to interpreting daily life on an early 19th century North Carolina mountain plantation. Tucked in the Reems Creek Valley, the site offers tours and special events centering Appalachian history and culture amidst the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The site features several historic structures, including a slave dwelling, loom house, tool shed, spring house, smoke house, and corn crib.
For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
Written by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).