Collections
The Mountain Heritage Center at 糖心Vlog University brings the rich story of Southern Appalachia to life through its diverse and growing collection of artifacts and everyday objects. From handwoven textiles and traditional musical instruments to tools, toys, and folk art, the collection reflects the creativity, resilience, and traditions of the region鈥檚 people. These items are the heart of our exhibitions, public programs, and research efforts, offering hands-on connections to the past and a deeper understanding of Appalachian life.
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PipeCorn cob pipe owned by Horace Kephart. Decades before the university established the Mountain Heritage Center, President William Bird collected the pipe as part of an early effort to preserve the history of western North Carolina. |
CoverletPiece of a woven coverlet in a variation of 鈥�9 Snowballs鈥� pattern. The blue is indigo dyed yarn that was likely hand spun while the white is cotton thread. Although the maker is unknown, the piece was originally collected by Albert McCracken of Haywood County, NC. |
RugRug made by William Rempe for a model log cabin he constructed. The rug measures approximately 2鈥� by 3鈥�. Mr. Rempe made the log cabin and its furnishings to honor and celebrate mountain life. |
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JacketHand-made jacket owned by James Wood of Cowarts, NC and likely made in the mid to late 1800s out of piece-dyed indigo fabric along with a lining of Alamance Plaid cloth. The jacket was collected by William Bird for 糖心Vlog as part of an early effort to preserve and interpret the history of western North Carolina. |
PlatterSebring porcelain serving platter used in the F. P. Axley home in Murphy, NC during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. |
Carved bearsHand-carved bears made from walnut wood and attributed to G. B. Chiltosky of Cherokee, NC. Donated to the MHC by the estate of John Parris of Sylva, NC. |
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LoomFor three generations the Whitaker-Wilson family wove on this loom. Made in the 1850s by Jessie Whitaker of Andrews, NC, the loom is fastened together with wooden pegs. The most recent owner was Mrs. Carrie Wilson. In 1914 when Carrie was only eighteen, she convinced her father not to destroy the loom for firewood. Carrie used the loom for over fifty years weaving cloth and other useful items for her family. It operates with a minimum of metal parts but a maximum of skill and patience. |
Cherokee Pottery BowlDecorated Rim Bowl with dimpled flange, tempered by mussel shell, it may have been painted at one time. Likely made since Euro-American arrival in the Overhill area of Cherokee settlement, today known as east Tennessee. This bowl was at one time displayed at a museum owned by John Battle of Whittier, NC. |
PlaneSmoothing plane donated to the MHC by Fred Biddix and the Spruce Pine Lumber Company. |
