Arts+Culture Bringing history, culture and lore to life: Smoky Mountain Heritage Center In an effort to preserve and perpetuate the heritage arts and lore of the Great Smoky Mountains and greater Southern Appalachia, the Smoky Mountain Heritage Center has now come to fruition at the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley. “This place is about a passion for the heritage of this region — art, music, storytelling, the outdoors,” said Bob Plott, general manager of the SMHC and a well-known Appalachian historian/author. “The hope is to start with these initial programs and then move towards building a permanent building to house our events.” Kicking off last summer with a PlottFest reunion, upcoming indoor/outdoor events include bluegrass concerts with local/regional musical legends, fly fishing workshops, and storyteller sessions. All events will take place in the “Back Porch Pavillon” on the property, an elaborate structure that will serve at the temporary headquarters of the center. “We’re walking distance from pretty much everything in Maggie Valley, and we hope to serve as a home base for visitors who stay at the motel. Explore our beautiful backyard that is the Smokies, only to then take in a program at the center,” Plott said. The idea for the center came about when
What lies beneath: WNC Museums Although the rich history and culture of Western North Carolina is alive and thriving through the hands of our local artisans and performers, there are also numerous museums here preserving and perpetuating the heritage of Southern Appalachia. These buildings each pay homage to the crafts, sounds, and deeply held traditions of these ancient mountains and its people. • American Museum of The House Cat Over 5,000 items dedicated to entire history of the house cat, here and abroad. 5063 U.S. 441, Sylva 828.421.0275 or 828.506.1236 www.facebook.com/americanmuseumofthehousecat
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Plott was a guest on the “Gateway to the Smokies” podcast earlier this year, which is hosted by the longtime owner of the motel, Joseph Franklyn McElroy. Kindred spirits and aficionados on all things Southern Appalachia, the duo put into motion the initial plans for the center. “We also want to use this place to pro-
mote other things, too. We want this to be a collaborative effort, not just for Maggie Valley, but for the surrounding communities, as well,” Plott said. “Whenever there is an event, concert or festival in our area, we want to work with everyone who’s also passionate about the history and art of this region.”
• Andrews Art Museum Exhibits and galleries featuring local and regional artists. Corner of Chestnut and Third streets, Andrews 828.360.5071 www.andrewsvalleyarts.com
• Cherokee County Historical Museum Artifacts and exhibits showcasing the Cherokee Indians, local history and artisans. 87 Peachtree Street, Murphy 828.837.6792 www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov
• Appalachian Rivers Aquarium Exhibits regional species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and hellbenders. 117 Island Street 828-488-7857 flyfishingmuseum.org/aquarium
• Clay County Historical & Arts Council Museum Displays exhibiting the history, art and people of the area. 21 Davis Loop, Hayesville 828.389.6814 www.clayhistoryarts.org
• Canton Area Historical Museum Displays focusing on the cultural history of Canton and Haywood County. 36 Park Street, Canton 828.646.3412 www.cantonnc.com
• Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians Showcasing the history of fly fishing in the Southeast. 210 Main Street, Bryson City 828.488.3681 www.flyfishingmuseum.org
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