History@Hand
About Us

Linking HISTORY to Location Location

History@Hand was founded in 2002 by Jan Schochet and Sharon Fahrer to document the untold stories of Asheville’s Jewish community. What began as a single exhibit has grown into a public history initiative with books, walking tours, and more than 40 interpretive panels displayed throughout Asheville.

After Jan moved on to other projects, Sharon continued leading History@Hand — developing tours, producing public lectures, and curating exhibits that connect people with place. Through this work, she found that linking history to location makes stories more relatable and unforgettable.

Today, History@Hand invites locals and visitors alike to discover Asheville’s past — not just by reading it, but by walking through it.

Learn More

We Offer

4 Ways to Step into History History

1
Walking Tours
Discover Asheville’s layered past by foot. Tours cover Montford, downtown Asheville, Riverside Cemetery, Biltmore Village, and the legacy of The Family Store. Some tours are available as videos right here on the site.
2
Books
Learn more through our published works. Each book offers a unique perspective on Jewish life and local history in Western North Carolina.
3
History Panels
Explore over 40 interpretive history panels located throughout Asheville. Topics range from: Jewish heritage, Black history, Notable Ashevillians, Historic neighborhoods, UNC Asheville building namesakes. Panels appear in parks, museums, campus buildings, sidewalks, and bus shelters.
4
Legacy
Discover deeper stories of Asheville’s past through community narratives, cultural milestones, and themed presentations — from Jewish life to Montford’s evolution.

History@Hand makes history accessible engaging alive

by honoring the places where it happened.

Explore Asheville
Join one of our tours while Exploring Asheville.
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