Abstract:
The Appalachian Consortium was formed in 1971 to preserve the Appalachian mountain heritage of music, speech, literature, and traditions. The original members of the consortium were Appalachian State University, East Tennessee State University, Mars Hill College, and Lees-McRae College. The consortium now has a board of directors and five committees: administration, regional, cooperation and development, heritage and folklife, publications, and Appalachian studies. The most important accomplishment of the organization is the creation of the Appalachian Consortium Press, which has published more than twenty-five books, fueling enthusiasm for the cultural and history of the area.