Western Office

A service branch of the Office of Archives and History in the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, DNCR's Western Office offers professional expertise in historic resource management.

Our office was established to serve the western region of the state and was officially opened on September 4, 1978. We are located at 176 Riceville Road, in the former VA Hospital "Building 13," a contributing property in the Oteen Veterans Administration Hospital National Register Historic District in Asheville.

Now on View: “Mentors and Heroes” Photography by David Holt

On display in the first floor Heritage Room Gallery from March 27, 2017 to May 6, 2017, “Mentors and Heroes” includes over thirty framed black and white portraits taken by David Holt from the 1970s to the early 2000s of his many musical mentors and heroes. Among those featured in the exhibit are Madison County ballad singers Dellie Norton, Cas Wallin, Berzilla Wallin and Shelia Kay Adams, who Holt met when he first came to western North Carolina in the 1970s. Portraits of Doc Watson, with whom Holt traveled and performed with for many years, are included. Holt calls Doc his “musical father” and most important mentor. Several musical instruments from Holt’s person collection, including the “Tree of Life” open back banjo that was custom made for Holt by Bud Soesby, are also on display.

The exhibit will be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

Archaeology

The archaeologist based at DNCR's Western Office coordinates and implements a region-wide program of prehistoric and historic archaeology

Archives and Records

DCR's Western Office operates one of the State Archives' two regional research facilities and helps local government agencies effectively manage their public records.

Assistance for Local Museums

A major goal of the Western Office is to provide local museums and historical societies direction, advice and technical assistance in areas where they have limited experience and/or resources.

Historic Preservation

Representatives of the State Historic Preservation Office can help with identification, evaluation, protection and enhancement of properties significant in North Carolina history and archaeology

Land and Water Stewardship at the DNCR Western Office

Regional Representatives: Land and Water Stewardship

The Western Office is home to representatives of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.

Our Location

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Western Office is located near the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Tunnel Road, right next to the Charles George Veterans Affairs Medical Center, at 176 Riceville Road in Asheville.

You can contact us by phone at (828) 296-7230.

Our normal hours of operation are Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.