Bringing history, culture and lore to life

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 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 promote 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.”

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 • Andrews Art Museum Exhibits and galleries featuring local and regional artists. Corner of Chestnut and Third streets, Andrews 828.360.5071 www.andrewsvalleyarts.com

• Appalachian Rivers Aquarium Exhibits regional species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and hellbenders. 117 Island Street 828-488-7857 flyfishingmuseum.org/aquarium

• 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 • 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

• 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

• 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

• Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum Extensive exhibits on the region’s gems and minerals. 25 Phillips Street, Franklin 828.369.7831 www.fgmm.org

• Glenville Historical Museum Showcasing the history and culture of Glenville and greater Western North Carolina with exhibits and displays. 4735 N.C. 107 North, Glenville 828.743.1658

• Graham County Museum of Prehistoric Relics A collection of prehistoric artifacts from North, South and Central America. 3204 Fontana Road, Fontana Dam 828.479.3677 www.thehikeinn.com

• Highlands Museum & Historical Village A village composed of several restored buildings, with historical exhibits in the museum. 524 North 4th Street, Highlands 828.787.1050 www.highlandshistory.com

• John W. Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center Local and regional art, with historical exhibits. 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee 828.227.2787 www.wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center

• Junaluska Memorial & Museum Displays dedicated to preserving Cherokee Indian history and culture. 1 Junaluska Drive, Robbinsville 828.479.4727

• Macon County Historical Society & Museum Antiques and artifacts showcasing the history of Macon and Western North Carolina. 36 West Main Street, Franklin 828.524.9758 www.maconnchistorical.org

• Mountain Farm Museum Collection of historical log buildings and artifacts. 150 U.S. 441 North, Oconaluftee Visitor Center 423.436.1200 www.nps.gov/grsm

• Mountain Heritage Center Extensive displays of Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachian history. 150 H.F. Robinson Building, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee 828.227.7129 www.wcu.edu

Wheels Through Time Museum.

• Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Exhibits presenting one of the finest collections of its kind in the world. 472 Chestnut Street, Highlands 828.526.3415 www.ashevilleguidebook.com

• Museum of the Cherokee Indian Large exhibits showcasing the extensive and intricate tribe history. 589 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee 828.497.3481 www.cherokeemuseum.org

• Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts Featuring unique works from some of the state’s most acclaimed artisans. 49 Shelton Street, Waynesville 828.452.1551 www.sheltonhouse.org

• Ruby City Gems Museum Thousands of gem and mineral specimens on display. 131 East Main Street, Franklin 828.524.3967 www.rubycity.com • Scottish Tartans Museum Exhibit on Scottish history and culture abroad and in Western North Carolina. 86 East Main Street, Franklin 828.524.7472 www.scottishtartans.org

• Smoky Mountain Trains Museum Collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars, accessories, plus large operating layout. 100 Greenlee Street, Bryson City 800.872.4681, x215 gsmr.com

• Wheels Through Time Museum Rare and extensive collection of vintage motorcycles and classic automobiles. 62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley 828.926.6266 www.wheelsthroughtime.com

• World Methodist Museum Artifacts and memorabilia celebrating founder John Wesley and the worldwide religion. 575 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska 828.456.9432 www.worldmethodistcouncil.org