BSCTC PLAYS HOST TO APPALACHIAN DAYS

More than 200 students from Floyd County schools visited the third-annual Appalachian Days on the Prestonsburg campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College on April 22-23.

Sponsored by the BSCTC Office of Regional and Cultural Diversity, the event was a celebration of Appalachian culture, said event organizers Lisa Stumbo, director of ECHO (Enhancing Cultural Heritage Opportunities) and Tina Terry, director of cultural diversity.

We want our children to understand the important role of tradition and culture in Appalachia, said Stumbo. This was a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about our regions history and the traditions that have been carried down from generations.

Jim Bordwine, of Saltville, Va., showed students how to manufacture salt. Bordwine, whose great-great grandfather fought in the Civil War, uses brine from wells in his hometown to make salt, using the same process as Daniel Boone described when making salt at Blue Licks.

Michael Warrix, a student at BSCTC, and Giselle Smith and Arabella Smith demonstrated life in a Civil War camp. This included a discussion on the Battle of Middle Creek and the everyday life and weaponry used by soldiers during the war.

Debi Beatty-Manuel, with Friends of the May House, gave students and educators a living history tour of the May House. Built in 1817 by Samuel May, the house is the oldest structure in Prestonsburg. It was constructed by bricks built on site and the one-time 350-acre farm featured a grist mill and was a recruitment and supply post for the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

All participants were also treated to a show at the East Kentucky Science Center and Planetarium.