John C. Campbell Folk School; image courtesy of John C. Campbell Folk School

BRASSTOWN, NC – As part of its centennial celebration, the John C. Campbell Folk School introduces a new self-guided walking tour on its beautiful Brasstown campus. This immersive experience not only invites visitors to explore the rich tapestry of the Folk School’s history but also offers a unique opportunity to enhance your health through nature and movement.

The walking tour features panels and signage at key sites across the campus, each offering insights into the school’s founding, its unique approach to hands-on, non-competitive learning, and its impact on the region’s cultural and artistic traditions. Through scannable QR codes linking to an online history site, visitors will learn about the school’s founders, the Danish folk school model that inspired its creation, and the diverse array of crafts, music, dance, and storytelling that have flourished here over the past century.

The tour also honors the heritage of the Cherokee people, on whose ancestral lands the Folk School now stands. The tour shares the stories of Cherokee craftsmanship, agriculture, and cultural traditions that continue to influence Southern Appalachian arts today. This content was developed in collaboration with representatives from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

"We are pleased to see the Folk School recognize the Cherokee people's enduring connection to this land and the importance of sharing our traditions and stories with all who visit," said James “Bud” Smith, an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians representative who contributed to the project. "This walking tour is a step toward deeper understanding and respect for the vibrant cultures that have shaped this region for generations."

The walking tour project was supported in part by a grant from North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Folk School extends its gratitude to North Carolina Humanities for its support in bringing this project to life.

“We’re thrilled to offer this new experience to visitors during our centennial year,” said Bethany Chaney, Executive Director of the John C. Campbell Folk School. “The walking tour provides an accessible and engaging way for people to connect with the stories, people, and places that make the Folk School such a special part of the Southern Appalachian landscape.”

The walking tour is free and open to the public year-round, allowing visitors to explore the Folk School’s campus at their own pace. For more information about the walking tour and the Folk School’s centennial events, please visit www.folkschool.org/100.