About us
Celebrating Yesterday, Inspiring Tomorrow
The Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society is a non-profit organization established by dedicated community members with a shared passion for the Appalachian spirit and the irreplaceable assets of our local culture. We operate as a collective memory keeper and a catalyst for creative engagement, focusing our efforts on the comprehensive preservation of historical documents, photographs, oral histories, and traditional craft forms that define Grainger County. Our mandate extends beyond mere archiving; we actively use these resources to create educational programming, public exhibitions, and engaging workshops that bring history and art out of the boxes and into the hands and minds of our community. This deep commitment ensures that Grainger County’s narrative is not just remembered, but actively lived and shared, fostering a powerful sense of identity and pride among residents of all ages.
Our Story
From a Shared Vision to a Thriving Cultural Hub
The Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society was founded from humble beginnings in the late 1990s, when a small group of civic-minded historians, educators, and artists began meeting in a borrowed space to discuss their collective concern: the rapid loss of local knowledge and traditional skills. They recognized that while individual memories and beautiful artifacts still existed, there was no central, structured organization responsible for their preservation and active transmission. This initial vision quickly solidified into a formal non-profit endeavor, driven by the belief that a community without a palpable connection to its past is a community adrift. The founders pooled their personal collections, secured their first dedicated space through generous community donations, and set a course to document every facet of Grainger County life, creating a beacon for cultural continuity that has grown exponentially ever since.
What We Do
Activating Arts and Heritage Across Grainger County
The core mission of the Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society is realized through a diverse and robust program overview that strategically balances preservation with active engagement. We maintain a dynamic calendar that features quarterly rotating historical exhibitions, showcasing everything from Civil War artifacts recovered locally to the evolution of farming techniques in the Holston River Valley. Concurrently, we host a continuous series of arts workshops, covering disciplines vital to Appalachian culture, such as basket weaving, natural dyeing, old-time music instrument construction, and ballad singing, ensuring these practical skills are transferred to the next generation. These twin-pillar programs—historical exhibit and artistic instruction—work synergistically to provide a complete picture of the county’s identity, encouraging participants to not only observe the past but also to actively recreate and contribute to the present culture.
Our Mission
The Guiding Principles That Define Our Purpose
Welcome to the homepage of the Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society. We are a dedicated group of individuals who are passionate about preserving and promoting the rich arts and heritage of Grainger County. Our society is committed to showcasing the unique culture, history, and artistic talent that our county has to offer. We organize various events, exhibitions, and workshops that aim to educate and inspire our community. Join us in our mission to celebrate and uphold the vibrant arts and heritage of Grainger County. This powerful statement of purpose drives every initiative, every preservation effort, and every educational program we undertake, establishing the Society as the foremost organization dedicated to the complete cultural landscape of our region. It is a mission that calls for diligence, creativity, and a perpetual commitment to the community that we serve, ensuring the stories of Grainger County endure.
Our Vision
Cultivating a Future Rooted in a Rich Past
Our Vision for the Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society is to become the leading regional model for integrated arts and heritage preservation, recognized statewide for our depth of collection and the innovative nature of our community programming. We aspire to maintain a state-of-the-art, publicly accessible archive and museum that is constantly growing and adapting to new digital technologies, making local history as accessible on a smartphone as it is in our reading room. This vision includes expanding our physical footprint to incorporate larger studio spaces for artists, a dedicated theater for local performance arts, and outdoor educational spaces that showcase heirloom gardening and historical architectural practices. Ultimately, we seek to embed the understanding and appreciation of local heritage so deeply within the community consciousness that it naturally fuels local pride, economic development through cultural tourism, and a shared commitment to sustainable growth.
Our Values
Integrity, Inclusivity, and Intergenerational Connection
The core values that guide all our decisions and interactions are centered on three fundamental principles: Integrity, Inclusivity, and Intergenerational Connection. Integrity demands meticulous accuracy in our historical documentation and authenticity in the preservation and teaching of traditional arts, ensuring we respect and accurately represent the lives and contributions of all Grainger County residents throughout time. Inclusivity means actively seeking out and welcoming every voice, story, and artistic expression from the diverse tapestry of our county, creating programs that are affordable, accessible, and welcoming to all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives. Intergenerational Connection is paramount; we design specific programs to bring together elders who hold vital knowledge with youth eager to learn, bridging the gap between historical memory and contemporary application to create a continuous, living culture that transcends demographic divides.
Our Impact
Enriching Lives and Sustaining the County’s Soul
The profound impact of the Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society is measured not in dollars, but in the sustained vibrancy and cultural resilience of our community. By providing a dedicated, neutral space for cultural expression and historical dialogue, we contribute directly to the social well-being of residents, fostering a sense of belonging and collective identity that is essential in a rapidly changing world. Our programs have demonstrably led to the revival of several once-dormant traditional crafts, creating new opportunities for creative expression and small-scale entrepreneurship among local artisans. Furthermore, our dedication to historical literacy empowers citizens to understand the context of current issues, fostering informed and engaged civic participation. We are building a legacy where future generations will not have to search for their roots, because the arts and heritage of Grainger County will be actively preserved, celebrated, and available to them.
Dedicated Stewards of Grainger County’s Legacy
Eleanor Vance, Executive Director
Eleanor holds a Master’s degree in Museum Studies and Appalachian History and has dedicated the last two decades to non-profit management and cultural preservation in East Tennessee. She brings a meticulous eye for archival detail and a genuine, infectious enthusiasm for Grainger County’s unique narrative, having grown up just a few miles from the Society’s current location. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to community collaboration, ensuring that the Society’s strategic goals are always aligned with the needs and interests of the residents it serves. Eleanor is not content with simply preserving the past; she views her role as actively using history and art to fuel the county’s future, often personally leading walking tours and storytelling sessions where she skillfully weaves together complex historical threads into engaging, accessible narratives for all ages. She is the driving force behind our vision for digital archiving and expanding our reach through educational partnerships.
Thomas “Tom” Rourke, Head Archivist and Historian
Tom, a retired high school history teacher with a specialization in 19th-century American history and an unparalleled knowledge of local genealogy, manages the Society’s extensive document and artifact collections. With nearly forty years of experience teaching Grainger County youth, Tom’s expertise is invaluable, providing the deep historical context necessary to authenticate and catalog new acquisitions. He is responsible for maintaining the climate-controlled environment of our archives, overseeing the delicate process of document conservation, and training volunteers in proper preservation techniques. His caring approach extends to working one-on-one with families researching their heritage, patiently guiding them through census records, old land deeds, and personal letters, transforming dusty documents into meaningful family connections. His commitment to factual integrity ensures our historical exhibits maintain the highest level of academic credibility.
Sarah Lin, Programs and Events Coordinator
Sarah is an accomplished fiber artist and a passionate advocate for the continuity of traditional Appalachian crafts, holding a BFA in Studio Arts and extensive experience in educational programming development. She designs and manages all of our public workshops, focusing particularly on ensuring our arts instruction is accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant for both youth and adult learners. Sarah is responsible for scheduling master craftsmen and local musicians to lead sessions on topics ranging from Appalachian dulcimer construction to natural-dye basketry, carefully curating a calendar that provides diverse opportunities throughout the year. Her warm, organizational style ensures every event, whether a small craft workshop or our major annual heritage festival, runs smoothly and fosters a genuinely welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere, effectively serving as the creative heart of the Society’s outreach efforts.
Our Work
Preservation, Education, and Community Activation
Unlocking the Stories and Skills of Grainger County
Our dedication to Education and Learning forms the bedrock of the Society’s active programming, moving historical and artistic knowledge from passive archives into dynamic classroom settings designed for all ages. We develop curriculum-aligned educational packets for local schools, offering teachers primary source materials, photographic resources, and guided tour options that transform local history lessons into tangible, exciting explorations. For adults, our learning focus shifts towards practical, heritage-based skills, such as workshops on genealogical research methods, historical foodways like preserving and canning, or even restoring antique furniture, ensuring these valuable life skills are not lost. This intensive educational focus aims to cultivate a generation of residents who are not only aware of their past but are actively equipped with the knowledge and traditional skills necessary to appreciate and maintain their unique cultural inheritance.
Play & Exploration
Where Curiosity Leads to Discovery
The Society firmly believes that the most effective learning often happens through unstructured Play and Exploration, particularly for our youngest visitors and families seeking authentic engagement. We maintain dedicated interactive spaces within our facility where children can dress up in historical clothing, handle authentic (and safe) historical tools and replicas, or engage with historical-themed games designed to spark curiosity without formal instruction. Our exploration programs include guided nature walks focused on identifying and utilizing native Appalachian flora for traditional crafts and medicine, turning the surrounding landscape into a living history lesson. By framing our cultural assets as opportunities for self-guided discovery, we encourage families to spend time together exploring the historical and artistic dimensions of Grainger County at their own pace, fostering organic connections between parent, child, and the collective heritage they share.
Social & Emotional Development
Building Community Through Shared Cultural Experience
A key, often understated, aspect of our work is the positive contribution we make to Social and Emotional Development within the community, using shared cultural experience as a powerful tool for connection and empathy. Our group art workshops and oral history gatherings naturally promote collaboration, active listening, and the sharing of diverse personal narratives, which helps individuals build a greater sense of community belonging and mutual respect. For seniors, participating in our traditional craft circles provides a vital social outlet, combating isolation while empowering them to share invaluable knowledge. By hosting inclusive public forums where difficult or complex historical topics can be discussed respectfully, we create a safe space for communal healing and understanding, strengthening the social fabric of Grainger County by validating individual experiences and weaving them into the broader, collective story of our shared home.
Programs/Services
Comprehensive Offerings for Every Age and Interest
The Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society intentionally designs its programs to serve a vast and intergenerational spectrum of the community, ranging from early childhood through to active senior citizens, recognizing that heritage is a multi-age conversation. For our youth, we offer specialized summer history camps and after-school craft workshops tailored to elementary and middle school students, using engaging, hands-on projects to teach complex concepts. Teenagers are invited to participate in our digital archiving internship program, gaining valuable skills while conducting research. Our core audience remains adults and seniors, for whom we offer our most detailed programs, including master classes in heritage crafts, in-depth historical lecture series, and the crucial oral history interviewing program, ensuring that every resident, regardless of age or ability, can find a meaningful avenue for participation and contribution within the Society’s mission.
Community & Engagement
Connecting Our Community Through Shared Culture
The Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society strongly emphasizes Family Involvement, recognizing that the transmission of heritage is most effective when it is a shared, multi-generational experience. We actively design our family-friendly events and museum exhibits to include activity stations that encourage parents and children to collaborate, such as joint craft projects, historical scavenger hunts, and shared storytelling circles. We offer discounted family memberships and specialized “Family Heritage Days” where the focus is on practical skill-building, like learning basic woodworking or making traditional Appalachian toys, which strengthens family bonds through shared creative accomplishment. Our goal is to position the Society as a regular destination for family outings, transforming the exploration of local history and arts from an academic pursuit into a treasured weekend tradition that builds lasting memories.
Testimonials
Voices from Our Grainger County Family
“I cannot speak highly enough of the Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society. We enrolled our son, Ethan, who is five, in their summer ‘Little Historians’ program, and the change was remarkable. He went from being a child who rarely showed interest in history to one who is constantly asking about the Civil War and the old ways of farming. The instructors are clearly passionate and patient, creating such a warm, engaging environment. They managed to make complex local history feel like an exciting adventure, and he now spends hours drawing pictures of historic buildings. The balance of hands-on activities, like making corn-husk dolls, and the gentle introduction to primary sources is absolutely perfect for his age group, and we are so grateful for this resource in our community.” – Laura M., Parent of a Preschooler/Early Elementary Child
“My daughter, Sarah (aged 12), took the traditional weaving workshop last fall, and it was a genuinely transformative experience. She learned not just the mechanics of the loom but the historical and cultural significance of textile arts in our region. The master weaver they brought in was exceptional, providing personalized attention and sharing stories that made the craft feel alive and important. It wasn’t just a class; it was an authentic connection to her Appalachian roots. Sarah continues to practice at home and has even started talking about preserving her own family’s history, which is an invaluable outcome we never expected from a simple art class. The Society fosters pride and skill development in equal measure.” – David P., Parent of a Middle Schooler
“As an older resident, I appreciate the Society’s dedication to Intergenerational programs. I participated in the oral history program, sharing my memories of growing up on a farm near Rutledge, and felt completely valued and respected by the staff and the young intern who interviewed me. They treated my stories and my old photographs with such care. The Society truly honors the history held by the elders of Grainger County, and seeing my family’s history preserved and knowing it will be used to teach future generations provides an immense sense of purpose and comfort. Their commitment to integrity and community is evident in every thoughtful interaction; they are truly the keepers of our collective soul.” – Martha K., Community Elder/Program Participant
“The workshops offered for adult learners have been outstanding; I recently took the genealogy course and was thoroughly impressed by the depth of the instruction and the quality of the archival resources they provided access to. I was able to trace my family back three generations further than I ever could on my own, all through local records housed right here. The Society staff, particularly Tom the archivist, were incredibly helpful, guiding me through the process with professional expertise and a kind demeanor. The facility itself is always welcoming, clean, and organized, making it a wonderful place to spend an afternoon researching or learning a new heritage craft.” – Robert B., Adult Workshop Attendee
“My family attends the annual Grainger County Heritage Festival every year, and it is the highlight of our cultural calendar. It’s impossible to describe the atmosphere—it’s like stepping back in time while simultaneously celebrating the best of the present-day community. The children love the historical reenactors and the craft demonstrations, and I appreciate the genuine focus on local vendors and authentic Appalachian culture, rather than just commercialism. The Society manages to host a large-scale event that feels intimate and deeply connected to the county’s true spirit. It’s a wonderful, family-friendly celebration that truly embodies their mission of preserving and promoting our unique heritage.” – Jessica L., Festival Attendee/Community Member
Our volunteer
Become a Guardian of Grainger County’s Story
Why Volunteer
Volunteering with the Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society offers a unique and profoundly rewarding opportunity to become an active, essential guardian of our local culture, transcending passive support to become an integral part of our mission fulfillment. By dedicating your time, you contribute directly to the meticulous work of preserving fragile historical documents, ensuring they are cataloged and protected for future scholars and residents. It is a chance to acquire specialized, valuable skills in areas like archival science, exhibition design, and oral history interviewing techniques under the guidance of our expert staff. Beyond the practical benefits, volunteering provides a deep, meaningful connection to your community, allowing you to meet like-minded individuals, share your passions, and gain an intimate understanding of the rich history and artistic tradition that defines Grainger County.
Ways to Help
We have a diverse range of volunteer opportunities designed to match various skill sets, interests, and availability, ensuring that everyone can find a role where they can make a genuine difference. Our most pressing needs often fall into three primary categories: Archival Assistance, where volunteers help process, organize, and digitize new acquisitions; Educational Programming, where volunteers assist in setting up and facilitating youth workshops and public lectures; and Event Support, where help is needed with logistics, publicity, and on-site coordination for our seasonal festivals and special activities. Whether you can commit to a regular weekly shift processing documents, prefer a hands-on role greeting visitors at our museum, or can only dedicate time during our annual festival, your contribution of time and talent is critical to our operational success and the effective execution of our cultural mandate.
Impact of Volunteering
The impact of your commitment as a volunteer reverberates across every facet of the Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society, directly influencing our ability to serve the community and fulfill our mission. Simply put, without our dedicated volunteers, the vast scope of our preservation and educational work would be impossible to maintain. Your efforts in the archives ensure that a family’s historical photographs are saved from decay, allowing future generations to connect with their past. Your help at a workshop makes it possible for a child to learn a traditional craft that might otherwise be forgotten, preserving an irreplaceable skill set. Every hour you contribute directly translates into a successful educational program, a robust, accessible archive, and a stronger, more culturally aware community, making you a vital steward of Grainger County’s living history and vibrant arts scene.
What are the enrollment requirements for your arts and heritage workshops, and how far in advance should I register?
Enrollment for our specialized arts and heritage workshops is open to the public, with specific age minimums detailed for each individual class, typically accommodating both youth (with separate children’s programs) and adult learners. Registration is handled online through our website or by visiting the Society in person, and because class sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure personalized instruction, we strongly recommend registering at least three to four weeks in advance of the start date to secure your spot, especially for popular heritage crafts like basketry or blacksmithing. We do maintain a waiting list for sold-out classes and will notify registrants promptly if a space becomes available due to cancellation.
What safety and security measures are in place to protect both visitors and the valuable historical artifacts in the Society’s collection?
The safety of our visitors and the security of Grainger County’s irreplaceable artifacts are our highest priorities, and we maintain stringent protocols to ensure the integrity of our collection and the well-being of our guests. Our archive rooms are equipped with climate-controlled environmental systems and non-acidic storage materials to prevent degradation, and access to these sensitive areas is strictly limited to trained staff and authorized researchers. For the public areas, we maintain up-to-date fire and security monitoring systems, and all public events are supervised by trained staff and volunteers to ensure a safe, family-friendly environment. We ask all visitors to help us maintain security by adhering to posted rules, especially regarding the handling of artifacts and the use of photography in designated areas.
Can you explain the philosophy behind your educational curriculum and how it balances history with the arts?
Our educational curriculum is intentionally holistic, operating under the philosophy that the arts and history of Grainger County are inseparable components of a single cultural identity; the art often tells the story of the history, and the history provides the context for the art. We teach this balance by integrating local historical narratives into our arts workshops—for example, teaching textile arts in the context of 19th-century farm life—and by showcasing traditional craftsmanship alongside primary documents in our exhibitions. The curriculum promotes critical thinking, skill acquisition, and cultural literacy, aiming to produce citizens who are not only knowledgeable about their past but also creatively engaged in their present, understanding that heritage is a living tradition that requires active participation.
Does the Society offer any programs or services specifically related to local foodways, agriculture, or heirloom gardening traditions?
Yes, a significant portion of our heritage programming is dedicated to preserving and promoting Grainger County’s rich agricultural history, which is essential to the region’s identity. We regularly host workshops focused on historical foodways, including traditional Appalachian preservation techniques like canning, pickling, and smoking, often utilizing heirloom seeds and recipes sourced directly from our archives. We also offer seasonal lectures and gardening activities that focus on native flora, historical farming methods, and the cultivation of regional heirloom vegetables. These programs emphasize the sustainability and ingenuity of our ancestors’ practices, connecting attendees with the land and the agricultural traditions that built our community.
What is the typical schedule of events, and are there any membership benefits to help support the Society’s ongoing work?
Our event schedule is dynamic and seasonal, with a constant rotation of public workshops, lectures, and exhibitions planned throughout the year; a full, up-to-date calendar is always available on our website. Generally, we host historical lectures on a monthly basis, run art workshops weekly or bi-weekly, and feature new major exhibitions quarterly. We strongly encourage community support through our membership program, which offers a range of valuable benefits, including free admission to all regular exhibits, significant discounts on all workshops and special activities, and exclusive access to members-only archival viewing sessions and quarterly newsletters detailing new acquisitions and research findings, all while directly funding our preservation efforts.
Connect with the Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society
We are always eager to hear from the community, researchers, and anyone interested in the rich arts and heritage of Grainger County, and we provide several convenient ways to get in touch. For general inquiries, questions about our collections, or requests for information regarding a specific workshop, the fastest way to reach us is via email at info@gcahs.lat, and a staff member will typically respond within one business day. If your inquiry is time-sensitive or relates to scheduling a research appointment or a group tour, please feel free to call us directly at a dedicated phone number, which is also posted clearly at our physical location during business hours. We value personal interaction and strive to ensure all correspondence is handled with warmth, professionalism, and prompt attention to detail.
Full Contact Details
For complete clarity, please use the following detailed information for any official correspondence or outreach.
Organization Name: Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society
Mailing Address (Official): PO BOX 101, RUTLEDGE, TN 37861
Email Address (General Inquiries): info@gcahs.lat
Join Us/Work With Us
Be a Part of the Grainger County Arts and Heritage Team
The Grainger County Arts and Heritage Society offers rewarding career opportunities for individuals who are passionate about non-profit management, Appalachian culture, history, and the arts, serving as a dynamic platform for professional growth and community service. While our team is small and highly dedicated, we occasionally seek to fill key roles in areas such as archival management, educational program development, fundraising coordination, and administrative support. We look for candidates who possess relevant academic qualifications—such as degrees in history, library science, museum studies, or non-profit administration—coupled with an authentic enthusiasm for serving the Grainger County community and a proven track record of professional integrity and collaborative work ethic. Working with us is more than just a job; it is a vocation dedicated to preserving an irreplaceable regional legacy.
Application Process
Career Opportunities
Interested applicants for any posted career opportunity are invited to submit their materials via email to the address specified in the job posting, ensuring all required documents, typically including a detailed cover letter and a current resume or CV, are attached as a single PDF document. Your cover letter should clearly articulate your relevant experience, your specific interest in Appalachian arts and heritage, and how your personal commitment aligns with the Society’s mission. After an initial review, qualified candidates will be contacted for a multi-stage interview process, which may include a portfolio review or a brief demonstration of skills relevant to the position, such as a presentation on a historical topic or a display of archival cataloging knowledge. We maintain a fair and transparent hiring process, seeking individuals who are ready to dedicate their talents to the stewardship of our county’s invaluable cultural assets.