2019 Programs

The Mitchell County Historical Society has a fantastic schedule of programs for 2019. All events are free and open to the public, and we invite everyone to come and find out more about this wonderful place that we call home.

Here’s a quick look at what we’re presenting. Check back regularly for updates and more information about our programs!


Scotland – Where We Came From…Or Did We Ever Really Leave?

presented by Alex Glover
April 15 • 7:00 p.m.
Historic Mitchell County Courthouse

The geological and topographical similarities of Appalachia and the Scottish Highlands have intrigued generations of geologists. Recently, research has increasingly proven that both mountainous areas share a common ancestry. Alex Glover will discuss the similarities plus take visitors on a virtual tour of Scotland with hsi presentation.

A video of Alex’s presentation will be available here shortly.

Alexander S. Glover Jr., PG is a professional geologist and the recognized authority on the Spruce Pine Mining District.


The Red & White Strings: Isaac English & The Civil War

presented by David Biddix, Amanda Biddix and Jonathan Bennett
May 20 • 7:00 p.m.
English Inn, Spruce Pine, NC [map]

Photo of The English Inn

The Civil War in the Toe River Valley pitted brother against brother in more ways that expected. One famous story from that era involved Isaac English, the then-owner of the historic English Inn located in Spruce Pine. English was a staunch Union supporter and he assisted 4 Union officers who escaped from a South Carolina prison camp to get back to Union lines and Kirk’s Brigade in the middle of the conflict. The Mitchell County Historical Society will host an event telling their story on Monday, May 20th at 7:00 p.m. at the English Inn at 240 English Road in Spruce Pine. Using a recently uncovered documentation of the journey written by one of the four officers, presenters David Biddix, Amanda Biddix, and Jonathan Bennett  will paint a picture of the conflict in the Toe River Valley, giving you a drastically different idea of what many imagined the Civil War to be on both sides in the region.

David Biddix is Director of Marketing for Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, North Carolina. He is also co-author of 3 books in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series: Spruce Pine, Little Switzerland, and Mount Mitchell and was a consultant for Voices of the Valley, celebrating Mitchell County’s Sesquicentennial in 2011. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Western Carolina University, and Appalachian State University, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Mitchell County Historical Society and is a native of Mitchell County.

Amanda Biddix is a rising sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in history and archaeology with a minor in geology. She is a graduate of Mitchell High School. While a student at Harris Middle School, she participated in National History Day, finishing both as a state finalist and representing North Carolina in the NHD National Competition in College Park, Maryland in 2014. She has also participated at the archaeological digs for Joara and the Spanish Fort San Juan in Burke County.

Jonathan Bennett is a graduate of Wake Forest University and is a noted local historian. He is a co-author of Mount Mitchell book in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series. A native of Yancey County, Jonathan is an employee of the National Park Service and is stationed at Gillespie Gap in Spruce Pine. 


 

We will have details on upcoming programs soon,
so check back for more information!