Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center announces new director

Trevor Freeman becomes fourth leader of downtown Black Mountain nonprofit organization

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 21, 2026

Trevor Freeman has been selected as the fourth executive director in the history of the Swannanoa Valley Museum, which was established in downtown Black Mountain in 1989. Courtesy photo

A downtown Black Mountain nonprofit organization that has served as eastern Buncombe County’s primary museum of local history for nearly four decades is welcoming new leadership.

Trevor Freeman has been selected to serve as the fourth executive director of the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, the board of directors announced, Sept. 18.

“The museum has had three strong directors since its inception in 1989, and we anticipate that strength continuing with Trevor,” SVM Board Chairman Glenn Cox said, in a press release announcing the new director. “He knows the history of the Valley and has very diverse experience with history museums.  The board, staff, and community will all enjoy working with him.”

Freeman’s past professional experience includes education and public programming roles at various museums, parks and historic sites throughout the Carolinas, including at Chimney Rock State Park, Cowpens National Battlefield, Battleship North Carolina and the Asheville Museum of History. His research interests include the American Revolution, Appalachian and environmental history topics. The Rutherford County native is an avid fly fisher, hiker and stringed instrument picker.

“I am thrilled to be back home in the mountains and grateful to be part of stewarding and sharing the history and culture of the Swannanoa Valley through this museum,” Freeman said. “I look forward to working with our great board, staff, colleagues and partners across our region.”

A graduate of Appalachian State University, with a bachelor’s degree in public history who also holds a master’s in American history from East Carolina University, Freeman joins the museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique cultural and natural heritage of the Swannanoa Valley, which runs from Ridgecrest to Biltmore Village.

The SVM is actively searching for a permanent assistant director to take on the part-time role. An interim director and interim assistant director will continue their roles through the end of September.