Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation Board Honors Sylvia Hahn

Sylvia Hahn, founding president of the Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation (GBEHF), was honored recently at a special dinner hosted by board members at the Beech Mountain Club.

The nonprofit foundation was established in 2001 for the purpose of protecting the heritage of the greater Banner Elk area.
Under Sylvia’s leadership, the foundation has completed a number of community projects. In 2005, the organization purchased the 1865 Banner House and subsequently renovated it and opened it as a museum. Now in its second year of operation and open from June to October to the public, the museum offers tours, special events and children’s activities. The foundation was also involved in saving the Village Grocery, which currently houses the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, and the Cheese House, the home of the Avery County Arts Council.

“Sylvia has been the major driving force in preserving Banner Elk history through her efforts to establish the foundation and enable the museum to open,” said Banner Elk Mayor Deka Tate.

Newly elected GBEHF President Mary Elder Frisbie praised Sylvia and her husband Bud for their many contributions to the community. “When I see Banner Elk’s beautiful brick sidewalks, I say, ‘Thank you, Sylvia.’ When I see the Village Grocery, I say, ‘Thank you, Sylvia.’ When I pass by the Cheese House, I say, ‘Thank you, Sylvia.’ When I proceed to the Banner House Museum, I say, ‘Thank you, Sylvia.’ How can one person make such an impact on a town in such as short time? And in all her endeavors, Sylvia’s husband Bud has been by her side.”

Bud has been a resident of the area since the early 1970s, and Sylvia joined him in 1994 following their marriage. Now semiretired, they own and operate Irmolot Lodge.

Sylvia has also served as a board member of the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce and as chair of the Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority since its inception ten years ago. The TDA’s major focus has been beautification of the town, including the installation of its brick sidewalks.

Prior to moving to Banner Elk, Sylvia held several positions in the South Carolina legislature, including press secretary to the Speaker of the House. She was eventually elected clerk and parliamentarian of the House. During that time, she was also elected president of the National Clerk’s Association—the first woman and only non-attorney to ever serve in that position. As the owner of a Charleston commercial design firm, she honed her experience in historic development for ten years.

“God has bestowed on us this wonderful mountain community, and it has given more to me than I could ever possibly give back,” said Sylvia. “The Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation has been so fortunate in the last five years to have so many good people come forward to give of their time and to help finance these endeavors. No one person ever makes something happen, but I like to quote Margaret Mead, who once said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’”