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 Ģ������ƵStories      September 16, 2025

By Julia Duvall

Ģ������Ƶ’s Mountain Heritage Days will be a weeklong celebration of Southern Appalachian culture, featuring a compelling lecture on the Appalachian dialect, the annual Rooted in the Mountains symposium and a Friday evening concert. The week of events will lead up to the Saturday heritage demonstrations, music and food everyone has loved for the past 50 years.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see Mountain Heritage Day evolve into Mountain Heritage Days,” said Amber Albert, director of the Mountain Heritage Center and co-chair of the Mountain Heritage Days committee. “By broadening the scope and extending the celebration, we’re creating more opportunities to explore shared interests, honor regional traditions, and engage in meaningful conversations about our mountain heritage. It’s a powerful reminder of how vibrant and relevant our cultural legacy continues to be.”

All events are free and open to the public, with some offering free-to-attend options that require registration.

The week kicks off Monday, Sept. 22, with a public lecture titled, “From Ulster to Appalachia: Who We Are When We Speak,” presented by Ģ������ƵEnglish studies faculty member Erin Callahan and fourth generation Ģ������Ƶalumnus Wyatt Wilson. Held at 5:30 p.m. in the A.K. Hinds University Center Theater, the lecture explores the historical roots of Appalachian English, tracing its evolution from early settlement patterns and Scots Irish influence to its distinctive sounds, grammar and vocabulary. Parking is free on campus after 5:00 p.m.

Rooted in the Mountains will be held Thursday, Sept. 25 and Friday, Sept. 26 in the Bardo Arts Center. This year’s theme “Matrilineal Worldmaking (Vision of What’s Possible)” honors the power of matrilineal societies, where kinship, inheritance, and identity are traced through the mother’s line. These visionary leaders will share insights on Indigenous knowledge, reproductive sovereignty, and the enduring strength of matrilineal traditions. Featured Topic: Doula Training and the Historical Significance of Birth Supporters. Free Mountain Heritage Days registrations are at capacity but Ģ������Ƶfaculty, staff, students and EBCI Tribal Elders can attend for free. Advance registration preferred/encouraged. Visit mhd.wcu.edu for more information.

On Friday, Sept. 26, the progressive bluegrass band The Well Drinkers will perform at Bridge Park in Sylva as part of Mountain Heritage Days’ Pickin’ in the Park. The show begins at 6 p.m., promising an evening of music and community spirit. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy the band’s fresh take on Appalachian musical traditions.

The celebration culminates on Saturday, Sept. 27, with the Mountain Heritage Days festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on WCU’s campus. The festival features live performances, cultural demonstrations and family-friendly activities that honor the region’s heritage.

For a full schedule and performance lineup, visit .