The Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The Institute of Appalachian Affairs began in 1978 to bring together ETSU scholars who were working on Appalachian studies. It was not until six years later when the Centers of Excellence Program was started by Gov. Lamar Alexander to fund programs with unique strengths at higher education institutes in Tennessee.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard Blaustein led the effort which founded the center in 1984, making this academic year the 40th anniversary. CASS now includes the Archives of Appalachia, the Reece Museum, the Institute for Appalachian Music and Culture and the Regional Resources Institute.
“The center was formed to serve the people of this region and that has continued to be at the heart of what we do for the past 40 years,” said Dr. Jeremy Smith, director of the Archives of Appalachia, “It is the guiding light for what we do going forward, through education, outreach and cultural and historical documentation and preservation.”
To celebrate, CASS has featured a series of social media posts and digital exhibits highlighting some of the work done over the past four decades.
CASS is hosting a reception and panel discussion in the Reece Museum on Feb. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be music by students and faculty in the Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Program, as well as a discussion panel with the current and former directors of CASS.
“What I have recognized is there is a rich diversity and rich cultural beauty and depth to this region that often does not get highlighted,” said Smith. “One of the great things I get to do is highlight all the people and all the cultural products that are a part of this region.”
The Archives of Appalachia, as well as the Reece Museum, are open to the public Monday through Friday. For more information or to view the digital exhibits visit, etsu.edu/cas/cass or @etsuarchivesofapp on Instagram.
