Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp Us
WCU's Mountain Heritage Center
The Mountain Heritage Center is a regional museum dedicated to documenting, studying, and interpreting the rich culture and history of Southern Appalachia. Through exhibitions, public programs, and educational outreach, the Center serves communities across Western North Carolina while supporting the academic mission of Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp.
Our work includes collecting and preserving artifacts, curating exhibitions, and showcasing traditional skills and lifeways. Over the years, we’ve produced books, musical recordings, and curriculum resources that enrich learning for K–12 and university students alike. Major exhibitions have explored topics such as Scotch-Irish heritage, mountain handicrafts, Plott Hounds, and trout fishing traditions. Some of our programming has even been adopted by national institutions like the Smithsonian and the American Folklife Center.
The Center’s collection—now over 10,000 artifacts strong—was started in the early 20th century by WCU faculty and staff. It includes agricultural tools, woodworking and logging equipment, textiles, and historic modes of transportation, offering a tangible connection to the region’s past.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to public history and the evolving study of Appalachia. Students play an active role in every aspect of our work, gaining hands-on experience in collections, exhibitions, and outreach. Our professional staff is equally committed to mentoring the next generation of museum professionals and public historians.
Hours of Operation:
Mountain Heritage Main Gallery: 10am-4pm Monday through Friday
Call 828.227.7129 to confirm opening hours.
Location:
176 Central Drive Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp Cullowehee, NC 28723The MHC Team
Peter Koch
Interim Director
pkoch@wcu.edu
828.227.3194
Peter earned an M.A. in public history from North Carolina State University. He is involved with community and K-12 programs and also works with the many student interns the MHC hosts each year. He is on the boards of the and of . He has also had a long involvement in the . Please contact him if you would like more information on educational programs, volunteer opportunities, or ideas for how the MHC can support your community history projects.
Loran Berg
Collections Manager
lberg@wcu.edu
828.227.3191
Loran earned his Master’s in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University and has a wide variety of experience in museums specializing in collections, exhibits and preparation, and archives. He is also active in the , the , , and . Loran is passionate about educating our students in the joys of working in the museum field.
Andrea Spooner
Museum Operations Coordinator
aspooner@wcu.edu
828.227.3191
Andrea Spooner is the museum operations coordinator at the Mountain Heritage Center. She helps oversee daily operations and supports our team of student workers. She plays an active role on campus committees including Mountain Heritage Days and the University Participant program.