Photos courtesy of Mountain Gateway Museum / Terrell Finley
Sights & Sounds
Mountain Heritage Center
The Mountain Heritage Center, located on the Western Carolina University campus in Cullowee, North Carolina, showcases the cultural and natural heritage of the southern Appalachians.
A permanent exhibit tells the compelling story of the Scots-Irish migration into the mountains, while other galleries feature traveling exhibits with themes such as blacksmithing traditions, Cherokee myths and legends, the history of an Appalachian watershed, and the southern Appalachian handicraft movement.
Each fall, the Mountain Heritage Center presents Mountain Heritage Day, a combination old-fashioned mountain fair and showcase for authentic Southern Appalachian folk arts. The popular event features demonstrations and exhibitions of traditional mountain crafts and skills such as woodcarving, basket making, blacksmithing, quilting, and weaving. It also plays a vital role in linking generations and helping maintain the authentic folk arts of the mountains.
The Mountain Heritage Center publishes books, produces musical recordings, and hosts an educational series for local public school children and university students. Its collection of over 10,000 artifacts includes woodworking tools, textiles, and early transportation equipment. Some of the Mountain Heritage Center's programming has been used by The Smithsonian Institution and the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress.
Hours of Operation
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 8 am - 5 pm
Thursday 8 am - 8 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
The Mountain Heritage Center observes a university holiday schedule, so it is advisable to call ahead for information.
Admission Fees
None.
Hours of operation and fees are subject to change. Contact directly for most current information.
Location
The Mountain Heritage Center is located at the entrance to the campus of Western Carolina University, about 5 miles south of Sylva on NC 107.
Mountain Heritage Center
150 H. F. Robinson Administration Building
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-7129
Mountain Heritage Center
150 H. F. Robinson Administration Building, Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Mountain Heritage Center
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