(423) 665-3373 info@hiwasseeheritage.com

The Center.

The Hiwassee River Heritage Center was once a small bank branch that sat empty for almost three years. Through fundraising, “friendraising,” and big dreams realized, the Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical Society purchased the property and renovated it to become a heritage center. HRHC Phase I was opened in May 2013 with a goal to expand as soon as possible. More fundraising including federal grants, foundation grants, corporate gifts and individual giving, saw a dream realized with the Phase II addition and reopening of the newly expanded Hiwassee River Heritage Center in March 2019.  Many partners made this dream a reality and we cannot thank them enough.

Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical Society

Mission and History

CCH Historical Society was formed in January 2008 with an active and interested group of citizens, now 70 members strong. The group meets quarterly on the third Sunday of February, May, August and November and features a program about local history at each meeting.

The organization’s mission is to discover and preserve the important stories of the community and share them accurately and appropriately with everyone, but especially future generations.

Currently, a board of volunteers runs the organization and project development, with the exception of manager for the center, who is employed part-time by the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Development Division.

CCH Historical Society Board of Directors

  • Chairman, The Honorable Carl Colloms, retired judge, practicing attorney
  • President, Joe Bryan, retired educator
  • Vice President, Connie Haney Hayden, Haney Meat Company
  • Secretary/Treasurer, Darlene Goins, Manager, Hiwassee River Heritage Center
  • Board Members:
    • Mary Tim Burgin, retired educator
    • Faye Callaway retired antique dealer
    • John Heifner, farmer, school bus driver, owner of Wild River Retreat
    • Lugh Lemley, owner of Ambiance (catering, floral, event planning)

Non-Voting Positions

  • Development Chair, Melissa Woody, Vice President for Tourism Development, Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce
  • Construction Chief, Harold Haddock, retired from Bowater

    Hiwassee River Heritage Center

    8746 Hiwassee Street (HWY 11)
    Charleston, Tennessee 37310
    423-665-3373

    Open Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    Closed on Sundays, Mondays and major holidays.