The Highlands Historic Museum, maintained by the Highlands Historical Society, is a must-see attraction in Highlands. Conveniently located on North Fourth Street, it's just a short stroll from Main Street. The museum is open from late May through early November, Thursday through Sunday. A visit to the Highlands Historic Museum offers a journey back in time, providing a glimpse into what life was like in Highlands over the past century.
The museum regularly introduces new exhibits, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. The latest exhibit, "Hosts on High: A History of Hotels and Inns of Highlands," highlights the rich history of the town's hotels—some of which have disappeared, while others continue to welcome guests today. The museum also features a variety of other exhibits showcasing Highlands' diverse history, including "Moonshining in the Mountains," "The Mountain Music of Highlands," and a collection of photographs by George Masa. These exhibits provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the area's cultural heritage. For more information on current exhibits, visit the Highlands Historical Society's website at highlandshistory.com.
The Highlands Historic Village is composed of the Prince House, the Highlands Historical Museum and Archives, and the Highlands Sanatorium Tent, also known as Bug Hill Cottage. The Prince House, built in 1877, is the town's oldest surviving residence. Expanded in 1935 when it was converted into a commercial boarding house, the home retains its architectural integrity from the 1930s. Exploring the Prince House offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience what life was like in Highlands many years ago.
The Highlands Sanatorium Tent, or "Bug Hill," is another significant part of the village's history. This tent, one of 60 used by Dr. Mary Lapham in the early 1900s, was designed to treat tuberculosis patients. With wooden floors, sides, and canvas-lined roofs, these tents provided a healing environment where patients could benefit from the fresh mountain air and sunshine.
Each year, the Highlands Historical Society hosts a variety of events to support their mission of "preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Highlands for present and future generations." Their biggest event is the Dazzling Dahlia Festival, held every September when the dahlias are in full bloom. Local businesses and organizations create dahlia vignettes, each following a unique theme. Other popular HHS events include the Season Opening Celebration, the Descendants Reception, and Walk in the Park. To learn more about these annual events, click here.