“The smithsonian in your neighborhood”
This unique collection of pioneer buildings and artifacts was amassed over a half a century by John Rice Irwin. He traveled the back roads, collecting untold thousands of everyday items from the colorful and interesting mountain folk of Southern Appalachia The Museum tells the stories of these folk in their own words and through the artifacts they left behind. Cabins appear as though the family has just left to work in the fields, or go to Sunday meeting. Stroll through the village and imagine yourself back in Old Appalachia...cutting firewood...tending livestock... mending a quilt... or simply rocking on the porch, enjoying the pastoral views.
... Exhibits. The restaurant features good regional cuisine, a good spot for lunch if you want to escape fast food fare and enjoy
The Museum of Appalachia has several acres of historic structures and artifacts. Barns, cabins, and other working buildings that would have been part of preindustrial Appalachia. You can browse the large gift shop for free or pay to enter the
This is a nice place to guide yourself around the grounds. A docent at each building would have been nice. The artifacts have personal info and a story to the original owner and how the museum acquired them. Great stories bring the history to life.
I was impressed with the scope of their stock. Historic buildings to music and local hero stories and personal belongings.
Worth the stop for a few hours.
Then there is a good ice cream spot down the street to the left.
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Museum of Appalachia
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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