Southern Appalachian Historical Association
Keeping Western North Carolina History Alive Since 1952
Thank You for a Wonderful 2025 Season!
The 73rd season of Horn in the West™ has officially concluded, and we are so grateful for everyone who joined us in celebrating this incredible Boone tradition.
But the season for SAHA is far from over! Our team at the Southern Appalachian Historical Association is busy hosting exciting programs and events at Hickory Ridge History Museum — from hands-on workshops to special community celebrations.
Click here to explore our upcoming events!
As we look ahead to 2026 and America’s 250th anniversary, we’re already hard at work planning an exciting new season. You won’t want to miss it!
In the meantime, you can continue to support SAHA by becoming a member or making a recurring donation. Even a small monthly contribution, as low as $5, makes a big difference in helping us preserve and share our history.
Become a SAHA Member or Donate Today!
Thank you for being part of the Horn in the West™ family—we couldn’t do it without you!
Upcoming Events at Hickory Ridge History Museum
Our museum events are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Find out what life was like when the Western North Carolina high country was first being settled at Hickory Ridge History Museum. Educators and tour guides lead you in an immersive experience through six historic cabins, complete with artifacts and furnishings.
Created in 1980, Hickory Ridge History Museum strives to recreate the atmosphere of a small mountain community to show guests about the daily lives of our colonial ancestors.
Staffed with historic interpreters in period clothing, Hickory Ridge History Museum's series of authentic, historic cabins give visitors a glimpse into the past and a feeling for the daily lives of early mountain settlers.
Focused on the period of 1785 - 1805, the museum provides insight into the self sufficiency of our forefathers by highlighting the skills they possessed such as hearth side cooking, spinning, candle making, blacksmithing, and so much more.
Horn in the West™ Outdoor Drama brings to life the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and the hardy settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the years before and during the War for Independence.
The drama highlights the settlers who came to the region seeking freedom and escape from British tyranny. Dr. Geoffrey Stuart, a prominent British physician, comes to the Colony of Carolina to study the dreaded disease smallpox, bringing his wife and son.
Through hardship and danger, house-raising and romance, the ties that bind the Stuart family and the small pioneer community grow. Dr. Stuart finds himself a respected leader in this hidden mountain community but has to resolve his conflicted feelings of loyalty to the Crown and his family's sympathy for the Regulators and their fight for American independence.
Excellent. A fantastic historical account intermingled with humor, action, and romance. Ticket prices and concessions were very fair. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Actors were fantastic. Especially enjoyed the song and dance numbers. We will be back!
— Guest Tim
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Southern Appalachian Historical Association acknowledges and recognizes the land and labor of the Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee), Watauga , S’atsoyaha (Yuchi), and Moneton people. Their connection to this land we remember, and whose presence - past, present, and future - we respect. As part of SAHA’s ongoing mission of supporting and fostering community and education of the western NC region, we understand and deeply respect that the land we hold so dear is the original homeland of the Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee), Moneton, S’atsoyaha (Yuchi), and Watauga people.
If you are interested in finding more information about the land you occupy, check this link for an interactive and in-depth map.
The mission of the Southern Appalachian Historical Association is to explore, preserve, and share the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Ready to hear from us on the regular?
We have big plans to support our local community, artists, and historians, and are excited for you to be a part of this ongoing journey!