Nov. 5th - 9th "Pioneer Day"
We have been studying the Appalachian Culture for about 4 weeks now and to culminate our unit we held Pioneer Day at Highland on Mon. Nov. 5th. There were guest from around our area who have expertise in the following areas: Kay Harbison (Folkways expert), Helen Simpson (Expert Quilter), Ricky Burch( Fiddler), and Arthur Hatfield (Banjo player). Students were also bused to the local "Museum of the Barrens", a first rate cultural center for South Central Kentucky. We also had our very own "Highland Smithsonian" where we had items from that time period on display in the Grand Hall. The following items were brought in by the teachers. Last, but not least there were three displays on loan from the "Kentucky Museum" from Western Kentucky University. Those displays included Native Americans, Abe Lincoln, and one on Folk/ Appalachian culture.
Kay Harbison, Folkways expert, told the students about the many handmade items that the early pioneers crafted. She explained their purpose as well as the steps to creating these functional items. Skills such as woodworking, basketry, weaving, quilting, sewing, candle making, soap making, and pottery were discussed.
Helen Simpson, master quilter told the importance of quilting in the pioneer days. She reminded the students that they were a link to their past and reminded them of family members from the homeland that they had immigrated from. There are friendship quilts and quilts that tell stories. Some quilts were also used in the underground railroad to help free the slaves. She also explained the process of quilting. The students were told about how the early pioneers would use feed sacks and their old clothing scraps to make their quilts.
Highland Smithsonian Display:
Handmade musical instruments from that time period: Fiddle and dulcimer
Abe Lincoln display:
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