Our History

     During the 125th anniversary celebration of Transylvania County, NC in 1986, hundreds of people signed a petition encouraging the formation of a county museum. The Jim Bob Tinsley Museum, a non-profit organization, was opened in May 1994 in Brevard, NC. The museum provided free public access to the lifelong collections of Jim Bob and Dottie Tinsley. Artifacts, paintings, drawings, sculptures, engravings, and research materials associated with the ten books Jim Bob Tinsley had published were on display. Bill Tinsley, Jim Bob's nephew, expanded the concept of the museum to include a Family Research Center.
     In 2003, Tony Morrow, Director of the JBT Museum, convened a group of interested individuals and representatives from organizations in Transylvania County, and the Transylvania Heritage Coalition (THC) was formed. The THC, now the ruling body of the Transylvania Heritage Museum, was incorporated by the State of NC and a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status was received from the IRS. This means donations and other gifts are tax deductible.
     On December 23, 2007, the Jim Bob Tinsley Museum closed, making the space and many assets available for the Transylvania Heritage Museum (THM). Thanks to volunteers as well as Exhibit Planner Anna Fariello of Curatorial Insight, the THM opened in May 2008. It now houses temporary and permanent displays of heirlooms, artifacts, genealogical exhibits, vintage photographs, and other exhibits reflective of the history and heritage of the county.