James Vester Miller: From Walking Trail to Website Launch

Asheville, NC
Saturday October 8
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

The historic contributions and impact of renowned Black Architect James Vester Miller come to life in a walking trail and new website. Buncombe County Public Libraries, Special Collections, and Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County are proud to present a program and walking tour on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 11 a.m.

The public is invited to this free program. Join us at Pack Library’s Lord Auditorium to hear Asheville photographer Andrea Clark speak about her grandfather, master mason James Vester Miller. Born in Rutherford County, NC to an enslaved mother and slave master father, James Vester Miller built many of the historic brick buildings in downtown Asheville. The program will focus on the launch of the new James Vester Miller website, designed by UNC- Asheville student AJ Jolly under the guidance of Dr. Victoria Bradbury, chair of the Department of New Media. Participants are encouraged to walk the trail at will or join the guided tour that will take place following the program.

Learn more about James Vester Miller in the Preservation North Carolina-sponsored traveling exhibit: “We Built This” Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in NC.” Miller is the sole artist from western North Carolina to be featured in the exhibit, which is currently on display through Oct. 10 at Pack Memorial Library.

For more information contact: Buncombe County Special Collections at (828) 250-4740, packnc@buncombecounty.org or jamesvmillerasheville@gmail.com.