Interview with Molly Cleveland

Interview with Molly Cleveland

Molly Cleveland, a public health nurse and lifelong Western NC resident, was interviewed by Buncombe County Special Collections Librarian Carissa Pfeiffer on August 25, 2025. This interview took place at Blue Ridge Public Radio and was conducted as part of the Come Hell or High Water Oral History Project for Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Library.

Cleveland shares that after being trapped in her Weaverville neighborhood initially [00:06:18] she left and worked at a medical shelter at A-B Tech [00:09:06]. She describes conditions at the shelter [00:10:09], her daily routine [00:14:49], and the resources and support offered through formal and informal sources [00:19:05]. Molly emphasizes that comprehensive emergency planning and public health are often overlooked until there is a critical need, and advocates for increased preparedness on individual and system-wide levels [00:24:17]. She also reflects on long-term emotional impact and collective healing [00:30:42].

Narrator portrait depicts Molly in downtown Weaverville at the main street park, September 25, 2025. Photo by Bill Green.

Interview copyright Molly Cleveland and Buncombe County Special Collections. Photo copyright Bill Green Photography.

English

MS456.002E

1 digital audio recording (00:36:30); 1 transcript (21 pages); 1 digital photograph

00:36:30

Carissa Pfeiffer

Molly Cleveland