Welcome to the Historic Carson House!

Carson House To Build Visitor Center

Will Be Closed Weekdays During Construction

The Historic Carson House will begin construction of a 3000 sq ft visitor center this spring. Due to the construction, the house and grounds will be open to the public on weekends only during our 2024 season, April through November.

“Building a visitor center is a big deal for the Carson House,” says Chuck Abernathy, president of the nonprofit that runs the museum. “For more than sixty years we’ve operated without the benefit of a visitor center. Now, due to the generous support of this community and our state legislature, we’ll be able to do a better job of telling the story of the house and its inhabitants, and of accommodating everyone who visits the property. We call the visitor center the Interpretive Center.”

In 2020 local residents Mary Meade and Gilbert Hollifield made a substantial gift to the Carson House. It is that gift and a grant from the North Carolina legislature that are making the Interpretive Center project possible. Additional funding from the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority and private individuals, as well as debt financing from First Bank of Marion, are underwriting the project’s $1-million-plus budget.

Historic Carson House has contracted with NVERSE Architects of Morganton for the design of the Interpretive Center, and with England Builders of McDowell County for its construction. An official groundbreaking ceremony will take place during our annual Dinner on Buck Creek fundraiser on May 18. For tickets, call the Carson House at 828-724-4948.

We anticipate that the Interpretive Center will be completed by the time we open for our 2025 season in April of next year.

Jubilee Arbor

The Jubilee Arbor at the Historic Carson House was finished in 2015 and is an educational and community event space. Built in the same style as a community meeting house of the 19th century, the beautiful beams and classic design make this a stunning location for school picnics and weddings alike.

The Jubilee Arbor will continue to serve the community throughout 2024 despite the construction of the Carson House Interpretive Center. Visitors attending events in the Arbor should not venture beyond the temporary fence that will enclose the construction site which is immediately behind the historic house. If you are an organizer of an event in the Arbor and have concerns, please contact our Arbor manager, Amy Metcalf, at 828-691-1391.

Click Here For More About the Jubilee Arbor!