Jackson County is an area of North Carolina with extensive Native American and Appalachian roots. There are many educational resources for both residents and visitors to gain understanding of this history. Culture serves as a reflection of a community’s values, traditions, and shared experiences. It provides a sense of belonging and unity among residents. It fosters a sense of pride and maintains Jackson County’s distinct identity. This country's history includes shared struggles, achievements, and progress that have shaped who the residents are today. The preservation of culture and history in Jackson County is essential for maintaining a cohesive community, nurturing a sense of pride, and guiding the county’s growth and development.
Listed below are organizations that address the Preservation of Culture and History. Organizations with volunteer opportunities are notated. For all volunteer opportunities, visit the CCESL Engage page.
Volunteer Opportunities Available |
The mission of the Appalachian Women's Museum is to gather, preserve, and share the stories of the women of Southern Appalachia. |
Volunteer Opportunities Available |
The Cashiers Historical Society is dedicated to protecting the village identity of Cashiers through its Mission to preserve the heritage of Cashiers Valley through Education, Stewardship, and Advocacy. |
Each summer since 1984 musicians and dancers from across the globe have visited the North Carolina mountain town of Waynesville as part of the Folkmoot International Dance and Music Festival. More than 8,000 international performers from 200 countries have participated through the decades. Now located in the historic Hazelwood School, Folkmoot has transitioned to a year-round cultural center, with a focus on programs and events that celebrate diversity, encourage cultural inclusion, and honor worldwide cultural heritages, especially using dance and music as a tool to achieve world peace. |
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The Jackson County Arts Council promotes the general betterment of the community by developing a multi-faceted arts program in Jackson County. It also coordinates the available arts programs; schedules new events for wider dissemination of arts activities, exhibitions, and opportunities; makes the arts available to diverse populations; encourages the development of local talent; and assists groups in crafts, visual arts, music, drama, dance, literary arts, photography, archaeology and other related areas. |
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Located in Cherokee, North Carolina on the Qualla Boundary, the sovereign land of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and ancestral homelands of all Cherokees, the Museum shares the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people through its exhibitions, collections, and programs. |
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The Mountain Heritage Center at WCU is a regional center for research and education. We connect people with local history and culture. We build bridges between the University and the wider community. We serve as a resource for cultural heritage organizations in the region. |
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We are a non profit group with the specific objective & purpose of preserving & enhancing the commerce, culture & environment of the Franklin community. We put on a few events annually which include our Annual Spring Market Day, Hometown Heritage Festival, Monster Mash on Main & many other sidewalk sales & small functions that enhance downtown Franklin. |