Encyclopedia of Appalachia Books-in-Schools Project
04.07.2006JOHNSON CITY, TN — The Encyclopedia of Appalachia entered the marketplace this month. With over 2,000 entries, this is the most comprehensive work on Appalachia ever produced, and it will be a valuable resource for the general public, scholars, teachers, and students. When purchased in lots of 25 or more, the book will be discounted approximately 50 percent from the retail price of $79.95 and shipped to school libraries. While first priority goes to schools designated as economically "distressed" by the Appalachian Regional Commission, donors may request a preference for their own counties and service areas.
When purchased in lots of 25 or more, the book will be discounted approximately 50 percent from the retail price of $79.95 and shipped to school libraries. While first priority goes to schools designated as economically "distressed" by the Appalachian Regional Commission, donors may request a preference for their own counties and service areas.
Schoolchildren throughout Appalachia can benefit from the volume, which explores the culture, history, and opportunities for the future found in the area; however, because of an on-going shortage of funds for education within the region, those who could most benefit from the book might never see a copy.
To remedy this situation, East Tennessee State University's Center for Appalachian Studies and Services (CASS) and the University of Tennessee Press, who partnered to produce the encyclopedia, have devised the Books-in-Schools Project. Funds are being solicited from individuals and businesses to allow the encyclopedia to be placed in every intermediate and high school in the Appalachian region.
Using this volume, students can explore the history and culture of their home region and will be able to learn about a wide array of topics, from the musical instruments played by the Cherokee for over a thousand years, to how black-edged invitations were sent to summon settlers to funerals, or why fried pies were a practical, yet delicious, solution to early difficulties with food preservation.
On April 5, a copy of the encyclopedia was presented to Cloudland High School as a gift from Larry and Kenny Lou Heaton in honor of their parents, Kenneth and Patsy Stanley and Warren and Blanche Heaton. Teachers at the school organized a research project giving students an opportunity to learn many of the aspects of Appalachia mentioned in the encyclopedia, including foods, folk medicine, music, and art. Students are conducting interviews with community residents and will "publish" their own book. All the materials they collect will be donated to ETSU's Archives of Appalachia, a component of CASS.
In addition, the Women's Resource Center Book Review Group at ETSU is passing along their love of books to the youngest students on campus. Members have contributed a copy of the Encyclopedia of Appalachia to University School, the campus "demonstration" institution for primary levels through twelfth grade.
For information on ways to make a donation to this project, contact CASS at 423-439-7865.
