Exploring Our Mountain Heritage

Students at Riverbend have been exploring the past and learning to appreciate their mountain heritage.  Riverbend is so excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Mountain Heritage Museum at Western Carolina University to bring to life some of our “Appalachian Pastimes,” and provide hands-on experiences for the students to enjoy.

On October 10 and 12, Mr. Peter Koch and two WCU graduate students visited Riverbend, bringing with them many different artifacts, folktales, and photographs for students to examine and play with. Mr. Koch spoke to the students about how their very own ancestors entertained themselves with toys and activities long ago. Students even got to create their own “pastime” toy out of recyclable materials found around the home.  Riverbend students enjoyed this unique opportunity to be immersed in our “Appalachian Pastimes” and to learn about and appreciate how different their lives are today.