The Swannanoa Valley People, Place, & The American Experience lecture series explores key historical, cultural, and ecological aspects of the Western North Carolina region with monthly evening lectures, taking place January thru December at the Assembly Room at Givens Highland Farms (410 North Commons Court, Black Mountain, NC 28711). These hour-long meet-ups engage the many stories that have shaped the Swannanoa Valley as a place and look at the human and natural forces that have shaped the region, bringing these histories into a present-day context. Each presentation ends with a Q&A discussion bringing our shared history into context with contemporary issues.
When & Where: People, Place, & The American Dream lectures take place once a month, February thru December on Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:15pm at the Assembly Room at Givens Highland Farms (410 North Commons Court, Black Mountain, NC 28711) unless stated otherwise. For attendees who are not residents of Highland Farms please park along Tabernacle Road by the Assembly Hall.
Cost: Tickets are $5 for museum members who use their promo code, $10 for general admission. Some fees may apply. If you are not financially able to afford to attend this series, please contact the Swannanoa Valley Museum at 828-669-9566 for scholarship availability or email svminfo@history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that unexpected circumstances may arise. You may cancel your enrollment in the program for a full refund up to 48 hours before the program start date.
- Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the program start date will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the program start date will not be eligible for a refund.
- A full refund will be offered if the museum cancels the program due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Please Note:
- We strongly recommend notifying us of your cancellation in writing via email to svminfo@history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org
- You will receive a confirmation email upon processing your cancellation request.
2026 Entire Series Schedule
| Name | Date |
| You Have to Start a Thing: The life and legacy of the south’s first woman legislature Lillian Exum Clement Stafford | Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00-7:15pm |
2025 Upcoming Event Details & Registration
Wednesday, March 18th: You Have to Start a Thing: The life and legacy of the south’s first woman legislature Lillian Exum Clement Stafford
Join the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center for a special Women’s History Month lecture exploring the life and legacy of Lillian Exum Clement Stafford — attorney, legislator, and one of Western North Carolina’s most groundbreaking women.
Born near Black Mountain, Clement passed the North Carolina bar in 1916 and opened her Asheville law practice the following year, becoming one of the state’s first women attorneys to practice independently. She went on to make history in 1920 when she was elected to the North Carolina General Assembly, becoming the first woman to serve in any state legislature in the American South.
During her single term, Clement introduced seventeen bills addressing voting privacy, public health, and protections for women and children — helping shape modern state policy while blazing a path for future generations.
This lecture will highlight Clement’s Black Mountain roots, her pioneering legal career, her political achievements, and the complexities of her legacy.