~~Appalachian Heritage Program

 Appalachia itself is a mixture of all things Appalachian. The Appalachian culture we witness today is one that has been preserved mostly by families and churches. Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York and all of West Virginia are all parts of Appalachia. These thirteen states comprise a large section of the Eastern half of the US. There are many common characteristics of the people who settled in this area. Like other areas of the world, the people’s beliefs and cultures are greatly influenced by the physical characteristics of their land. 

Appalachia refers to a specific ethnic group, the descendants of early settlers in the mountains and their unique American culture. This culture is both real and functioning being revealed through its traditional arts and crafts, music, traditional foods, its customs, heritage and beliefs.

Being native to Leslie County allows us to be a part of this Appalachian Culture. Leslie, Letcher and Perry County Cooperative Extension Agents collaborate along with staff assistants and volunteers to host our Appalachian Heritage Skills Program.  This annual program provides our Leslie County Youth experiences and skills as an important part of their heritage. Our youth experience music, storytelling, food preservation and lessons on fibers and quilt making. Each 5th grade group returns to their school with their very own quilt designs. Every 5th grader also makes their own corn shuck doll and enjoys playing Appalachian games. 

Leslie County 5th Grade Youth participated in 2018 Appalachian Heritage Program on October 2, at Leslie County Extension.  Approximately 137 students, 6 teachers, 4 volunteers, 6 Extension staff and 4  Extension Agents participated in this 4-H event! 

Post Evaluation:

As a result of taking part in the 2018 4-H Appalachian Heritage Program… 

• 93% of participating students learned at least one new thing about Appalachian history or culture 

• 89% stated that they better understood the types of foods Appalachians ate

 • 96% enjoyed learning about Appalachian Music 

• 97% enjoyed learning about Appalachian history, culture, crafts and games 

• 86% better appreciate their Appalachian heritage 

Some written comments from the participants included:

 • Learned that corn, beans and squash are called the three sister crops

 • Learned that food preservation was important to the early settlers and enjoyed the journey cakes 

• Learning that you can cure meat with salt and brown sugar! 

• Learning that the dulcimer is the Kentucky State Instrument and had fun hearing the singing, playing and stories of music

• Learned that children in the early days of Appalachia did not have toy stores so they created their own toys from natural materials

. Enjoyed hearing the storytelling

 • Lots of fun creating their own corn shuck dolls, paper quilts and playing games! 

Kentucky 4-H believes that all youth should have opportunities for positive youth development in our four guiding concepts: mastery, belonging, independence, and generosity.  This program fosters mastery and belonging by interacting and connecting with volunteers and staff while learning cultural heritage skills, independence by practicing creative thinking and new skills, and generosity by sharing newly learned knowledge to benefit many others.