Morehead State University
Strengthening Appalachia: How Active Communities Can Save Our Region: STUDY 2 (Kuchenbrod): Kids and Community History: Fostering Appalachian Pride in the Next Generation
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
John Hennen; Joy Gritton
Abstract
community, the presentation of that history at an elementary-school level, and how this may positively impact the attitudes of children concerning their hometown. It is common in small, struggling Appalachian communities, for low esteem and pride in the present to be balanced by fond memories of “the good ol’ days.” Whether in the form of storytelling, music, or simply conversation over a cup of coffee, this activity of recollection is often engaged in primarily by the older residents, who by their very nature have more memories to recall. Appalachian communities have, in general, a more vibrant history than their youth may be aware of. With only the present day to shape their opinions, many children lack the same opportunities to balance the present with the past. It is, therefore, the intent of this presentation to investigate how educating children in local history may be a workable solution with positive benefits both for the children and their community at large. These benefits may include an increase in the emotional attachment of youth to their community, an increase in pride in one’s hometown and oneself, as well as possible growth in understanding of how the town – and Appalachia in general – came to be in the difficult situation of today. Existing literature on the importance of local history in education, as well as first-hand research at an after-school program in Eastern Kentucky, will support these conclusions.
Strengthening Appalachia: How Active Communities Can Save Our Region: STUDY 2 (Kuchenbrod): Kids and Community History: Fostering Appalachian Pride in the Next Generation
community, the presentation of that history at an elementary-school level, and how this may positively impact the attitudes of children concerning their hometown. It is common in small, struggling Appalachian communities, for low esteem and pride in the present to be balanced by fond memories of “the good ol’ days.” Whether in the form of storytelling, music, or simply conversation over a cup of coffee, this activity of recollection is often engaged in primarily by the older residents, who by their very nature have more memories to recall. Appalachian communities have, in general, a more vibrant history than their youth may be aware of. With only the present day to shape their opinions, many children lack the same opportunities to balance the present with the past. It is, therefore, the intent of this presentation to investigate how educating children in local history may be a workable solution with positive benefits both for the children and their community at large. These benefits may include an increase in the emotional attachment of youth to their community, an increase in pride in one’s hometown and oneself, as well as possible growth in understanding of how the town – and Appalachia in general – came to be in the difficult situation of today. Existing literature on the importance of local history in education, as well as first-hand research at an after-school program in Eastern Kentucky, will support these conclusions.