Center for Pioneer Life

05/26/2026

Summer Camp Registration is officially OPEN at the Center for Pioneer Life! ☀️🌿

Get ready for a summer full of hands-on history, creativity, outdoor fun, and unforgettable memories. Our camps are a great way for kids to learn new skills, make friends, and experience Appalachian traditions in an engaging way.

Save the dates:
📅 July 7 & 10
📅 July 14 & 16
📅 July 21 & 23

Spots are limited, so be sure to register early!

Learn more and sign up here:
https://www.pioneerlife.org/general-7-1

05/18/2026

This year, the 3rd Annual Blue Ridge Storytelling Summit shifts from honoring the spoken traditions of Appalachia to highlighting the voices of Appalachian storytellers who are capturing these stories on the page. In a book fair format, the Summit will feature a dozen authors who will be available to sign their books, swap stories, and share their wisdom and inspiration with visitors one-on-one. Each author will have time to tell a story on the porch of the historic 1850 cabin at the Center for Pioneer Life.

Our featured storyteller this year is legendary Bob Plott, whose family raised Plott hounds for 200 years. He's a fascinating storyteller and writer. His books include A History of Hunting in the Great Smoky Mountains, The Story of the Plott Hound: Strike and Stay, Plott Hound Tales, and Southern Appalachian Folkways: Preserving Traditional Arts and Craft.

It's a day of pleasure and play for book lovers, from 10 am to 3 pm on June 27 at the Center for Pioneer Life, 134 Joe Young Road, Burnsville.

You’re welcome to pay at the event using cash, credit card, Apple Pay, or several other forms of payment. Advance tickets are not required—feel free to just come and pay when you arrive if that’s more convenient for you.

Tickets and more info: https://www.pioneerlife.org/event-details-registration/blue-ridge-storytelling-summit-2026

05/15/2026

04/30/2026

04/30/2026

Only 2 spots life for this weekend!!!!

May Workshop at the Center for Pioneer Life! ✨

The art of basket making is woven into the rich tapestry of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, a tradition that has been passed down through generations. Join the talented Bridget Van Remortel for an immersive, full-day workshop at the Center for Pioneer Life, where you'll delve into the intricate craft of creating your very own market basket.

Throughout the day, you will be guided step-by-step in the basket-making process, using high-quality materials that will be provided for you.

Don't forget to pack your favorite snacks and drinks to enjoy during the workshop! Share laughs and stories with fellow enthusiasts who, like you, are eager to connect with this cherished tradition. By the end of the day, you’ll leave not just with a stunning basket, but also with newfound friends and a deeper appreciation for the craft.

Join us for a day of creativity, community, and craftsmanship that celebrates the enduring legacy of basket making in the heart of the Appalachians!

Register Here: https://www.pioneerlife.org/event-details-registration/basket-making-with-bridget-van-remortel

04/29/2026

Back to Doc Watson's home turf (broadly speaking, at least)! Join William Ritter (Song to Seed) and me at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, for a free presentation at the Center for Pioneer Life in Burnsville, N.C. I'll talk about Doc's life and legacy and William will play some of the traditional songs that were a crucial part of Doc's repertoire.

04/19/2026

May History Happy Hour 📕🎶

Join us on May 5th for an evening exploring the remarkable life of a true American music legend, Doc Watson. Eddie Huffman tells the story of Doc's life and legacy, drawing on extensive interviews and hundreds of hours of archival research. In making the most comprehensive biography of Watson ever, Huffman gives us an affecting and informative portrait of the man they called Doc.

RSVP Here: https://www.pioneerlife.org/event-details-registration/history-happy-hour-eddie-huffman