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Marking a significant milestone in its centennial year, the John C. Campbell Folk School is commemorating the grand reopening of its historic Log Cabin Museum. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Sept. 22, inviting the community to honor a century of preserving Appalachian heritage and hands-on learning.

Established in 1925, the John C. Campbell Folk School has been a beacon of traditional arts, music and culture in the Appalachian region for 100 years. The Log Cabin Museum, originally constructed as two separate cabins in the 1850s and 1890s and moved to the Folk School campus in 1926, stands as a testament to the school's enduring commitment to cultural preservation. After an extensive restoration project, the cabin has been revitalized to continue its role as a centerpiece of the campus.

"Restoring the Log Cabin Museum during our 100th anniversary is a tribute to our founders' vision and the community's dedication," said JCCFS Executive Director Bethany Chaney. "This cabin is more than a building; it's a symbol of our ongoing mission to keep Appalachian traditions relevant."

The Log Cabin Museum restoration project focused on preserving the cabin's historical integrity while ensuring its structural soundness for future generations. Visitors can now experience the museum's exhibits, which showcase the rich tapestry of Appalachian life, crafts and stories that have been integral to the Folk School's curriculum and community engagement. Funding partners for the Log Cabin Museum restoration project include the Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority and the Fred A. Moss Charity Trust Fund via the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

Furthermore, the Log Cabin Museum is a major feature on the Folk School’s new self-guided walking tour, funded by NC Humanities, enabling campus visitors to scan QR codes on special signage to learn more and engage with Folk School history and landmarks. More information about the walking tour, including a detailed list of landmarks and signage, will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

The opening of the Log Cabin Museum also sets the stage for the Folk School’s centennial year festivities, officially kicking off at Fall Festival on Oct. 4-5, 2025. This beloved annual event will serve as the official kickoff to a year-long celebration honoring the Folk School’s rich history, vibrant community and bright future.

• Date: Monday, Sept. 22, 2025

• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

• Location: John C. Campbell Folk School, 1 Folk School Road, Brasstown, NC 28902

For more information about the event and the Folk School's centennial celebra`ons, please visit www.folkschool.org/100.