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.

In accordance with Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order 117, and to help limit the spread of COVID-19, the Western Office will suspend public operations beginning Mar. 17. All events and programs are canceled during this time. If questions please use the DNCR Western Office contact form at the bottom of this page, or contact us by phone at 828-250-3100. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Now on View at the Western Office – Blue Ridge Craft Trails

Featuring the works of nearly three dozen Western North Carolina craft artists, this exhibit is an extension of the new Blue Ridge Craft Trails, the newest initiative to be launched by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. This drivable trail project currently promotes over 150 diverse craft sites found in the North Carolina mountains and foothills. The project celebrates the region as a rich center for both traditional and contemporary handmade crafts. The exhibit is made possible through a partnership between the North Carolina Arts Council, North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Appalachian Regional Commission, Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Southern Highlands Craft Guild and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

The exhibit will be on display at the Western Office of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources located in Asheville at 176 Riceville Road from February 10 to May 15. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Special programming is being planned to accompany the exhibit and will be announced soon. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibit and special programs, call 828-250-3100.

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.

Recreation Resource Service

RRS is the nation’s oldest technical assistance program for parks and recreation agencies in North Carolina. RRS provides technical assistance, applied research, and continuing education for the state.

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 828-250-3100.

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

Covid-19