The Museum of Haywood County History is located in the historic Shook-Smathers House. The “inner” house and third floor chapel were built around 1800 by Jacob Shook, a veteran of the American Revolution. Bishop Francis Asbury spent the night in the house on November 30, 1810. Beginning in 1850, Levi Smathers and his descendants lived in and cared for the house for more than 130 years and built the “outer” house during a major renovation in the 1890s.
Today, the house is a Museum filled with artifacts, photographs, archival documents, and treasured items that showcase Haywood County history. Contact the Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society at (828) 564-1044 to schedule a tour of the Museum.
