Adopt-a-Cabin at Hickory Ridge History Museum

Preserve History. Leave a Legacy.

The Southern Appalachian Historical Association (SAHA) is proud to introduce the Adopt-a-Cabin Program, an opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organizations to actively participate in the preservation of our region’s pioneer heritage.

By adopting a cabin, you are directly supporting the restoration and maintenance of these historic structures, ensuring that future generations can experience and learn from our Appalachian past.

Why Adopt a Cabin?

Each of our historic cabins tells a unique story of resilience, craftsmanship, and frontier life. Your contribution helps fund vital preservation work, from structural repairs to educational programming that brings history to life.

As an Adopt-a-Cabin supporter, you will receive special recognition and exclusive benefits, allowing you to connect with the history you are helping to protect.

Levels of Giving & Benefits

$10,000 – Annual Contribution

✔ Donor selects a specific cabin to adopt
✔ Public signage recognizing the donor in front of the adopted cabin
✔ Free admission to all events at Hickory Ridge History Museum
✔ Recognition in media, website, and print materials
✔ VIP honorary recognition at meet-and-greet public events
✔ Private access for up to two exclusive gatherings at the adopted cabin*

$7,500 – Annual Contribution

✔ Donor selects a specific cabin to adopt
✔ Public signage recognizing the donor in front of the adopted cabin
✔ Free admission to museum events

$3,000 – Annual Contribution

✔ Public signage recognizing the donor in front of the adopted cabin

$5,000 – Annual Contribution

✔ Donor selects a specific cabin to adopt (first come, first served)
✔ Public signage recognizing the donor in front of the adopted cabin

$1,500 – Annual Contribution

✔ Public signage recognizing the donor (alongside others) in front of the adopted cabin

*Private events hosted by top-tier donors must be scheduled in advance with SAHA administrative staff. SAHA does not provide catering or event services. Rentals are limited to use of the museum grounds only and are subject to our policies and procedures. Please email horninthewesthickoryridge@gmail.com to request a copy of our current rental guidelines.

Disclaimer: Donor acknowledges and agrees that participation in the Adopt-a-Cabin program does not confer any ownership interest, leasehold, license, or other legal rights to the designated cabin(s) or to any portion of the Hickory Ridge History Museum property. All rights and control remain exclusively with the Southern Appalachian Historical Association (SAHA).

CURRENT CABIN PROJECTS

Tatum Cabin Projects:

Seal the roof - completed in 2025!
Replace roofing shingles - completed in 2025!
Complete floor
Install loft and loft flooring
Chinking and daubing cabin walls
Rebuild front porch
Add an additional porch to other side of cabin to protect logs and door
Complete historically accurate windows and doors installation
Finish exterior walls under eaves
Install historically accurate hinges

Coffey Cabin Projects:

Replace front porch and handrails
Replace compromised supports
Repair second floor support
Install new handrail on back porch
Improve rain drainage
Remove moss from roof
Inspect and repair chimney
Update electricity in the cabin
Replace compromised log on second floor
Repair or replace windows

WPA Cabin Projects:

Replace improper concrete chinking with perma-chinking
Replace roof
Replace porch

Blacksmith Cabin Projects:

Repair forge and bellow
Improve security

Tavern Projects:

Repair steps
Fortify railing
Repair wooden, open air windows
Repair hearth
Repair flooring

Frasier Cabin Projects:

Update electricity
Repair back porch
Replace roof
Replace windows

Example of Chinking for Log Cabins

Example of Removing Moss from Wooden Shingles

18th Century Historical Bellows

Why Adopt-a-Cabin?

Fund Essential Restoration

Time and weather take their toll on these structures. Your support ensures repairs to roofs, logs, chinking, and floors, preventing irreversible damage.
Keep History Alive

Your funding will preserve and maintain the historic cabins that provide the infrastructure of SAHA’s educational programming.
Protect a Community Landmark

Hickory Ridge History Museum has been a cornerstone of Boone’s cultural heritage for decades. Your generosity safeguards these cabins so they can continue to inspire and educate.
Leave a Lasting Legacy

Whether as an individual, family, or business, adopting a cabin is a meaningful way to honor loved ones, commemorate a special occasion, or give back to the community.
Preserve Authentic Appalachian History

The cabins at Hickory Ridge aren’t just buildings—they’re living history. Each one tells the story of early Appalachian settlers and their way of life. By adopting a cabin, you help ensure that future generations can step inside and experience history firsthand.
Inspire Future Generations

By adopting a cabin, you’re helping to keep history alive for students, families, and visitors who walk through our museum. Your support ensures that immersive, educational experiences continue to spark curiosity and appreciation for Appalachian heritage in people of all ages.