Ditch the plane tickets this July and travel through time instead! Buncombe County Special Collections has three upcoming local history events to take the family on an epic time-traveling adventure.
On July 16, ?learn about North Carolina's first congresswoman from author Marion Deerhake. Then, bring the whole family to an all-ages presentation about radio history in Asheville by Stuart Smolkin, curator of the Asheville Radio Museum. Finally, all ages can get hands-on with Retro Technology Discovery Day—featuring retro video games, retro snacks, and more vintage technology!
Details on all our July events are below.
Jane Pratt: North Carolina's First Congresswoman
Tuesday, July 16, 2024, 6-7 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library - 67 Haywood St. - Asheville
Join us with author Marion Deerhake, who will discuss her new book Jane Pratt: North Carolina's First Congresswoman! This free author event will be held at Pack Memorial in partnership with Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe.
On May 25, 1946, after 22 years as a congressional secretary, Jane Pratt was elected as North Carolina’s first congresswoman. The press reported with great interest how “Miss Jane” won by a landslide with only a $100 campaign budget. She hit the ground running, voting to pass the Atomic Energy Act, working tirelessly to mitigate a century of flood disasters in Western North Carolina, and serving the constituents she knew so well.
This first biography of Congresswoman Jane Pratt provides a unique federal view of North Carolina’s early 20th century history. After working as a rare female newspaper editor in the early 1920s, Pratt became secretary to five tarheel congressmen over some 30 years. Her career spanned the roaring twenties, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. Her decision not to run for re-election offers insight into why 46 years passed before the state elected another woman to Congress.
The book includes how a young Jane Pratt attended Asheville Normal School for a short time prior to 1920. Deerhake describes how Asheville’s growth and historic events during that time may have shaped Pratt’s commitment to public service. This event is free, but registration is encouraged. Please visit the library web page and use the link on the calendar for this program to sign up.
When Radio Came to Asheville
Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 6-7 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library - 67 Haywood St. - Asheville
Stuart Smolkin, curator of the Asheville Radio Museum, will share the story of how radio broadcasting technology changed life in Western North Carolina a hundred years ago. This all-ages presentation is perfect for families!
After learning the history of radio broadcasting in Asheville, come back Friday for more retro technology exploration--radios included!
Retro Technology Discovery Day
Friday, July 26, 2024, 3-5 p.m.
Pack Memorial Library - 67 Haywood St. - Asheville
Retro Techno returns! Old tech meets new in this all-ages technology event featuring live demos of typewriters, Atari, View-Masters and more!
Repurpose old technology to create new art in a couple of hands-on activity stations led by Asheville Museum of Science educators. Test your skills on retro video game systems, or write a letter on an old-fashioned typewriter. Then, check out vintage examples of technology in the Special Collections reading room, including a special appearance of objects from the collection of the Asheville Radio Museum. Light snacks will be provided. Children of all ages are welcome to attend.