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Craft Trail

Rural Life Museum

The Rural Life Museum on the campus of Mars Hill College near Asheville, North Carolina, is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and presentation of Southern Appalachian mountain culture and history. Here, by appointment, visitors can see exhibits that reflect the lives and culture of early settlers in the mountains.

The Museum exhibits a prize collection of William Barnhill photographs illustrating mountain life in Western North Carolina and also offers workshops, lectures, and tours. Demonstrations of rural traditions such as clogging are frequently held at the Museum.

The Rural Life Museum is a vital component of the college's focus on regional studies, and its collections and exhibits make up a large part of the college's cultural and educational outreach program. Its authentic exhibits reward visitors with a peek into the past, when a thirst for independence brought immigrants into a land ripe with opportunities as well as serious challenges to survival.

Hours of Operation
The museum is open by appointment only. Call (828) 689-1262.

Admission Fees
None.
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

Location
Mars Hill College is located in downtown Mars Hill, about 18 miles north of Asheville and 45 miles south of Johnson City. From US-19/US-23 take exit 11 and head west on NC 213. Drive approximately one mile to the downtown and the college. The Museum is in the rock building on the quad.

Rural Life Museum
Montague Building
Mars Hill College
100 Athletic Street
Mars Hill, NC 28754
(828) 689-1262
www.mhc.edu/regional/museum.asp