Thomas Wolfe Memorial

"Fame and the Poet" - Thomas Wolfe Short Story Discussion
2026-01-08 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | 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, January 8th – “Fame and the Poet” with discussion leaders Dan and Ana Clare.

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.

"His Father's Earth" - Thomas Wolfe Short Story Discussion
2026-02-12 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, February 12th – “His Father’s Earth” with discussion leader Brandon Johnson

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.

When are We US? An "America250" Symposium
2026-02-27 09:30 - 17:00
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 | 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…

POSTPONED- Thomas Wolfe's Buried Lives: A Riverside Cemetery Tour
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverside Cemetery, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, THIS TOUR WILL BE POSTPONED AND RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 13TH AT 10AM.

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…

Membership Appreciation Day!
2026-06-07 13:00 - 16:00 | The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, 52 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Join us as we open with special afternoon hours on Sunday, June 7th, where members can bring up to two complimentary guests for a special furniture-themed tour of the historic boardinghouse, a guided downtown walking tour, a short documentary highlighting the home and furniture’s restoration following the 1998 arson fire, and a special behind-the-scenes look at select pieces of the memorial’s extensive artifact collection! We are so excited to celebrate some of our biggest supporters!

MEMBERS – Reserve your free tickets (and up to two complimentary tickets) by clicking HERE.

If you’d like to become a member, click HERE

If you’re unsure of your membership status, please call the Memorial at 828-253-8304 or email Kayla at kayla.seay@dncr.nc.gov

RESCHEDULED - Thomas Wolfe's Buried Lives: A Riverside Cemetery Tour
2026-06-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Riverside Cemetery, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
This tour, originally scheduled for May 23rd, was rescheduled due to inclement weather.

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…

1918 Summer Social
2026-06-27 09:00 - 17:00 | The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, 52 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Step back in time to 1918 at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial for an unforgettable Living History experience inside the historic Old Kentucky Home Boardinghouse. Meet a lively cast of characters and discover what daily life was like during Thomas Wolfe’s youth.

Stroll the grounds at your own pace as the boardinghouse comes to life around you. Play lawn games with the boarders, chat with someone preparing lunch in the kitchen, and explore the rooms and stories of the guests who once might have stayed here. Along the way, you’ll encounter fascinating personalities, including newlyweds honeymooning in Asheville, a traveling clothing salesman, a young stenographer recovering from the Spanish Influenza, and a seasoned train engineer passing through town. Each has a story to tell.

This self-guided experience allows you to linger, explore, and interact as much as you’d like while immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of another era. Your attendance supports the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee and helps continue its mission of preserving Wolfe’s legacy while sharing his life and literature through education, cultural programs, and community events.

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased day of at the Memorial, or ahead of time by clicking HERE.
