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Photo by Kaylee Cook/Staff Highlands Historical Society Board of Directors President Harry McDonald unveils a plaque in honor of historian Dr. Randolph “Ran” Schaffner.
The Highlands Historical Society held their seasonal opening on Sunday, May 29. The event also marked the official opening of the society’s eight new exhibits which were put together with the help of a class at Western Carolina University.
“We have eight new exhibits this year that are each a gem of Highland’s culture,” HHS Board of Directors President Harry McDonald said. “You know the history is about 1875 when you first found Highlands, but the history is ongoing. and what Highlands has is an organization that culturally offers so much to the size of Highlands, it’s unbelievable. So, we’re real thrilled to have the new exhibits and every year it’s our intention to refresh the exhibits.”
HHS got its start in 1979 when a small group of residents got together and established the Highlands Historical Preservation Society. The society fell inactive in 1981 and would remain inactive until April 1999, when it was reformed as the Highlands Historical Society.
In 2000, the society made its home in the Elizabeth Wright Prince house, the oldest standing home in Highlands, after board members worked to acquire the funds necessary for the purchase.
“It’s very humbling for me to be on the board with such a legacy,” McDonald said. “Just 22 years ago they borrowed $250,000 to buy that building and it’s totally paid off and we’re financially sound. Our organization has a paid docent and bookkeeper, but there’s no salaries for executive directors, so if you’re on this board you have to make a commitment to what we have.”
In addition to the seasonal opening and the new exhibits, the society also dedicated a plaque to long term member and Archivist Emeritus Dr. Randolph “Ran” Schaffner for the years of hard work and dedication he has given to the society.
“He is absolutely the father of history here in Highlands,” McDonald said. “His contributions have been unbelievable to this organization and also the Greenway. Everything he’s done, his membership with our organization and his publishing has been incredible to the Cashiers-Highlands district.”
The plaque was unveiled at the opening on Sunday with Shaffner and his wife, Margaret, in attendance.
“To me, it’s a surprise and an honor that I don’t deserve, but I really appreciate,” Shaffner said.
In addition to McDonald, who gave an opening speech highlighting Shaffner and his contributions to the society, fellow board members Dennis Dewolf and Tammy Lowe, and Highlands Plateau Greenway President Jim Ward, also spoke emphasizing the contributions that Shaffner has made to the Highlands area overall, including the publication of his award-winning novel, The Heart of Blue Ridge, Highlands NC.
“By yourself, you can’t really do anything, you need support,” Shaffner said. “I couldn’t have written my book without the people who are in the book and this organization. It’s the stories that people told about their own lives in their own manner,” Shaffner said. “That’s what makes this town so great.”
The Highlands Historical Society is open to visitors Fridays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. from now until the end of October. Anyone wishing to learn more about the society or membership can visit highlandshistory.com.
- By Kaylee Cook