Adventure Brief
Explore Appalachia’s Great Depression food history with historian Katharine Donnelly. Taste authentic recipes and enjoy a heartfelt culinary journey in Arthurdale, West Virginia.
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Explore Appalachia’s Great Depression food history with historian Katharine Donnelly. Taste authentic recipes and enjoy a heartfelt culinary journey in Arthurdale, West Virginia.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals of all fitness levels with minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
Arthurdale was the first federally funded New Deal community, designed to provide sustainable living during the Great Depression.
Conservation
Efforts in Arthurdale focus on preserving historic buildings and promoting sustainable heritage agriculture practices.
Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.
Explore Appalachia’s Great Depression food history with historian Katharine Donnelly. Taste authentic recipes and enjoy a heartfelt culinary journey in Arthurdale, West Virginia.
Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. preserves and shares the cultural history of Arthurdale, West Virginia through public programs, hands-on workshops, and community events. The organization hosts a range of experiences that connect visitors and residents with Appalachian traditions, including weaving, relief printing, herbalism, creative writing, folk music, and historical lectures.
Programs include classroom-style workshops such as Tiny Tapestry: Weaving for Beginners and Mug Rug Weaving, which teach basic loom techniques and let participants take home finished pieces. Art-focused offerings include a Relief Printing Workshop led by Meish Claus and Ekphrastic Writing: A Creative Writing Workshop with Jessie Van Eerden, both designed for practical skill development and artistic exploration. Music and storytelling are central to the calendar with events like Folk Music of the Southern Coalfields featuring Chris Haddox, and an outdoor theatrical performance of Shakespeare’s MACBETH by the Rusted Mechanicals troupe.
Educational talks and literary programming further highlight local history and practice. Making History with Christina Fisanick guides researchers and writers in using primary sources for family history and narrative work. Taste of Arthurdale presents historical perspectives on food in Appalachia, led by historian Katharine Donnelly. The Poetics of Gratitude workshop and Herbal Mixer build community through shared creative and practical activities.
Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. programs are delivered by named instructors and guest presenters and take place in Arthurdale, West Virginia. The organization focuses on accessible, place-based learning and cultural preservation, offering scheduled workshops and events that invite participation from local communities and visitors alike. Program details and schedules are posted regularly.
Location
Arthurdale, WV
Programs hosted on-site
Events Calendar
Seasonal
Workshops and performances scheduled
Local Instructors
Community-led
Regional artists and historians
Experiences
10 Offerings
Weaving, music, writing, theatre
Browse upcoming workshops and performances, plan a visit, and register to experience Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.’s cultural programs.
Book in Advance
This private experience has limited availability, so be sure to reserve your spot early.
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
The site includes outdoor paths and areas where comfortable footwear will enhance your experience.
Arrive Prepared for Weather
Check the forecast and dress appropriately as part of the event takes place outdoors.
Bring a Notebook or Recording Device
To fully capture the fascinating historical insights, consider bringing something to take notes.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supports walking on outdoor paths and uneven terrain during the tour.
Weather-Appropriate Layers
Keeps you comfortable with fluctuating temperatures throughout the day.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important, especially during warmer months.
summer
Notebook or Voice Recorder
Helps capture notes or reflections during the educational lecture.