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A press conference regarding the re-opening of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial will be held Thursday, July 24, at 11 AM in the state historic site�s visitor center at 52 North Market Street in downtown Asheville. State officials will outline the anticipated completion schedule for the memorial�s restoration and plans for the historic home�s grand re-opening. The historic boarding house where the famous writer once lived has been under restoration since July 24, 1998, when an arsonist caused significant damage to the building. Artifacts discovered during the restoration will be displayed and the home�s exciting, new historic paint scheme will be explained. A photo opportunity of the home�s exterior and interior, where restoration is still ongoing, also will take place. �We�re excited that the Thomas Wolfe home is being restored to its full glory and will soon re-open for the enjoyment of his many devoted fans,� said Lisbeth C. Evans, Secretary of the NC Department of Cultural Resources. �It has been a long process, but now we can all look forward to a full slate of programs at this wonderful historic site.�
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial is part of the Historic Sites division of the NC Department of Cultural Resources. The site is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM-5PM and closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is $1 for adults and $.50 for students. For more information, please contact Site Manager Steve Hill at 828-253-8304 or [email protected].
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The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site commemorates and interprets the life and writings of famed 20th century American fiction writer Thomas Wolfe (1900-1938). Wolfe spent his early childhood growing up in his mother�s rambling Victorian era boarding house in Asheville called Old Kentucky Home. In his novel �Look Homeward, Angel,� Wolfe fictionalized the house as �Dixieland.� The 29-room house had been preserved almost intact with original furnishings. Sadly, the 1998 fire ravaged the house, seriously damaging rooms and furnishings and forcing its closure. However, the site�s visitor center remains open and features an art display inspired by Wolfe�s writings, along with an exhibit hall and audiovisual program depicting his life and works. 