Thomas Wolfe Memorial

When are We US? An "America250" Symposium
2026-02-27 09:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NC
Buncombe County Special Collections & North Carolina Historic Sites present a day filled with programs that delve into the fundamental ideals of democracy and explore the diversity of voices that have shaped our nation.

How can change be a powerful force for progress?How can we work together to create a more just and equitable society?When are we US?

***Program Schedule***

9:30 am – “A New Birth of Freedom in the Mountain South”Historian Dr. Steven Nash, author of Reconstruction’s Ragged Edge, will present a lecture exploring the aftermath of slavery in Western North Carolina with Q&A to follow.

10:30 am – “A Woman of Her Own Making”Literature scholar Rebecca Godwin will discuss Julia Wolfe, not simply the mother of Thomas Wolfe, but a successful business woman and example of independent women in the early 20th century with Q&A to follow.

1:00 pm – Screening – “Urban Renewal Impact”Part II of the “Black in Asheville” film series. Documentary film screening followed by a discussion and Q&A with filmmaker Todd Gragg and community historian Priscilla Robinson.

3:30 pm – “Open Envelope”Live readings of historical documents that explore the symposium theme, “When are We, US?” with opportunity for Q&A with local public historians.

Light refreshments will be served.

***About Buncombe County Special Collections***The Buncombe County Special Collections Library (formerly the North Carolina Room) is located on the lower level of Pack Memorial Library in Downtown Asheville. Buncombe County Special Collections preserves and provides access to archives and reference materials about the social, cultural, and natural history of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Western North Carolina.Go to specialcollections.buncombenc.gov to learn more and plan a visit!

Sips & Scripts: An Afternoon Tea and Readers Theater for Julia Wolfe's 166th Birthday
2026-02-28 13:30 - 14:30 | The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, 52 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
In honor of Julia Wolfe’s 166th Birthday, join us inside the historic boardinghouse dining room as we enjoy light refreshments and tea from the Asheville Tea Company. Guests will also enjoy a special Readers Theater titled “Wolfe’s Women,” which will highlight the impact that Julia and other women had on Thomas Wolfe.

Finish the afternoon with a special walk through the first floor of the boardinghouse to view select pieces of Julia Wolfe’s clothing and accessories currently on display.

Plan for about an hour and a half with us. Tickets are $20 per person. This event has a limited seating. Purchase your tickets HERE

"The Child by Tiger" - Thomas Wolfe Short Story Discussion
2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 | The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, 52 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Join us in person at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial or via Zoom!

If you have ever been interested in reading Thomas Wolfe, our annual Short Story Discussions are a fantastic opportunity to get acquainted with his work. Join us as we read a curated selection of Wolfe’s short stories, each paired with an engaging and informative discussion led by local experts. No prior experience with Wolfe’s writing needed – just bring your curiosity!

Thursday, March 12th – “The Child by Tiger” with discussion leader Tom Hearron.

The Thomas Wolfe Short Story Discussions are a partnership between the Wilma Dykeman Legacy and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site. This year’s stories have been chosen to reflect the three core values of the Wilma Dykeman Legacy: the power of the written and spoken word, environmental integrity, and social justice.

To register for zoom or to access pdfs of the 2026 story selections, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/wilma-dykeman-legacy…

Our text is The Complete Short Stories of Thomas Wolfe, edited by Francis E. Skipp with a Foreword by James Dickey (New York: Scribner’s, 1987). If you’d like the full text, this book can be found at local libraries and bookstores, and at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial gift shop.

Look Homeward, Angel: A Downtown Walking Tour Through Thomas Wolfe's Eyes
2026-04-11 10:00 - 11:30 | The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, 52 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Step into Spring and the world of Thomas Wolfe with this guided walking tour through downtown Asheville- Wolfe’s hometown and the vivid backdrop for his (in)famous novel Look Homeward, Angel.

The special tour begins at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial on the front porch of the Historic Old Kentucky Home Boardinghouse where Wolfe spent his childhood. From there, participants will stroll through downtown exploring sites connected to Wolfe’s life.

Throughout the walk, our guide will share excerpts from Wolfe’s writings, anecdotes about his life, and insights into early 20th century Asheville. Roughly 90 minutes, the tour will finish at the First Presbyterian Church, where our guide will be happy to chat and answer questions with anyone who wants to learn more!

THIS EVENT HAS A CAPACITY LIMIT, and tickets must be purchased ahead of time here: https://www.zeffy.com/…/look-homeward-asheville-a…

Tickets are $10 per person. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to check-in.

We hope you’ll join us

Look Homeward, Asheville: A Downtown Walking Tour Through Thomas Wolfe's Eyes
2026-04-25 10:00 - 11:30 | The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, 52 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States

Thomas Wolfe's Buried Lives: A Riverside Cemetery Tour
2026-05-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverside Cemetery, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Join us for a tour of Riverside Cemetery as we piece together fact and fiction by highlighting many of the folks that inspired various characters in Wolfe’s works, as well as other notable Ashevillians.

The tour will begin at the front gate of Riverside Cemetery, with parking available along Birch Street and near the gate. Plan for two-hour leisurely paced tour!

THIS EVENT HAS A CAPACITY LIMIT. Tickets – $10/person and must be purchased online: https://www.zeffy.com/…/thomas-wolfes-buried-lives-a…
