Flappers & Felony brings history and mystery to Peri Social House

Swannanoa Valley Museum to present interactive Roaring Twenties-themed Valentine’s Day event

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
January 24, 2025

The Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center will host Flappers & Felony: A Valentine’s Murder Mystery Event, Feb. 14, at the Peri Social House. Photo courtesy of SVM

Local history with a fictional twist comes to life from 7-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14, when Peri Social House revisits the Roaring Twenties.

Presented by the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, Flappers & Felony: A Valentine’s Murder Mystery Event offers an interactive investigation set in a bygone era. 

Participants will be greeted by a cast of characters, as they travel back to the 1920s for an announcement and celebration of a discovery by fictional Swannanoa scientist Dr. James Herodotus Francis. Prior to his intended proclamation, the host is murdered, requiring attendees to team up to solve the case. The event, which includes light appetizers with a complimentary glass of prosecco, is $40 for SVM members, $50 for non-members, $70 for member couples and $75 for non-member couples. Tickets can be purchased at swannanoavalleymuseum.org.

The production is organized by SVM Leigh Ogus and uses a fake crime to introduce real history. Costumes are strongly encouraged, according to SVM Director LeAnne Johnson.

“It’s a fun and light-hearted way to learn about local history,” she said. “This is the museum’s first partnership with Peri Social House, and they have such a beautiful and unique venue that will be a great setting for this.”

The cast consists of museum volunteers and members, including veterans of the nonprofit organization’s Haunted History tours.

“Carol Tyson, Pegg Rozzell and Terri Brooks are all involved in the production, helping us with costumes and decoration,” Johnson said. “They also helped us recruit actors who have experience playing local historical figures, so we could not be holding this event without them.”

Solving the case will involve a hands-on investigation.

“Some of it will be like an escape room-style game, where people have to solve puzzles to figure out who did it,” Johnson said. “There will be props they can investigate, dossiers they can read and they will have the opportunity to interview suspects.”

Peri Social House will offer the setting for Flappers & Felony, Feb. 14, a mystery-themed event presented by the Swannanoa Valley Museum. Photo by Fred McCormick

Along the way, participants will learn interesting facts about the Swannanoa Valley in the 1920s.

“This murder isn’t something that really happened, but it’s a scenario that could have happened in that decade,” Johnson said. “One aspect of the story focuses on silica mines, which operated in the area at that time.”

Many of the characters are fictional interpretations of area residents.

“We won’t use real names, but if you live here, you might recognize some of the characters,” Johnson said.

Flappers & Felony, which can accommodate 60 people, will include a contest for best male and female costumes.

“This is a fun an interactive way to share local history with the community,” Johnson said. “If there is enough interest in attending, we could do a similar event this fall.”