Welcome to the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services, one of Tennessee's
Distinguished
Centers of Excellence. The Center consists of three units:
REGIONAL RESOURCES INSTITUTE
The Regional Resources Institute (RRI) is the administrative arm of the Center. It oversees all aspects of governance and facilitates partnerships with ETSU academic units (Appalachian Studies, Art and Design, History, Literature and Language, Sociology and Anthropology) and with community organizations (Birthplace of Country Music, Convention and Visitors Bureau) to promote research about and service to the Appalachian region. This arm of the Center administers long-term grant projects (Appalachian Teaching Project and Governor's School for the Scientific Exploration of Tennessee Heritage) and special grant projects (such as the NEA-funded DeVault Tavern exhibit and publication). For 33 years, the RRI has also published Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine.
ARCHIVES OF APPALACHIA
The Archives of Appalachia is a cultural heritage repository that supports education, research, and artistic creativity. The Archives collects and preserves papers and records of enduring value that document life in Appalachia, with emphasis on the South Central region. The Archives' Special Collections of book and printed material furthers sustained study and research, and its Sound Recording & Media Collection is comprehensive in its coverage of music in Appalachia. Engaging students, faculty, scholars and the community, the Archives of Appalachia advances lifelong learning and cultural understanding.
REECE MUSEUM
The Reece Museum is an art and history museum with a diverse collection, including original art, prints, textiles, and artifacts. Named for U.S. Congressman B. Carroll Reece and formally dedicated in 1965, the Reece is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (one of thirteen such museums in Tennessee). It houses three galleries for temporary exhibits, along with a multipurpose space. Recent activities have featured an artist-in-residence by the late Sammie Nicely that resulted in two exhibits: Exuberance!—featuring children's art—and From an African American Perspective—featuring the collection of Nicely and fellow collectors Dr. Jerome W. Wright and Sylvia and Jan Peters.
Together, these three units of the Center foster research and service
to the region. In March 2015, all units of the Center hosted the
Appalachian Studies Conference, which attracted more than 900 attendees.
Detail above: Image #143087870/Mario Tama/Courtesy of Getty Images.
