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The Legacy of the Scots-Irish: Historical Migration to Cultural Inspiration

Program Number: 20141RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/15/2013 - 9/20/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Montreat, North Carolina
Price starting at: $558.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Multi-Topic; History & Culture
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

From the 18th Century to the present, the saga of Scots-Irish history and culture is one of our nation’s most fascinating stories. Trace the path of the Scots-Irish and discover why many settled in the Southern Appalachian region, where they adapted to conquer adversities, tame the wilderness, and became great inventors and explorers. Discover cultural traditions from the old country that found fertile ground in Appalachia, and see how music, story, and dance flourished and took on new life in the isolation of mountain life.




Highlights

• Get a new perspective on the music, crafts and history of Southern Appalachia during a field trip to the Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center.
• Delve into the life of Zeb Vance — a Civil War officer, governor of North Carolina and U.S. senator — during an excursion to the Vance Birthplace.
• Learn about the Scots who were instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and about the 21 men of Gallic descent who signed it.



Activity Particulars

All facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required; a few stairs. Outside areas are mountainous, with inclines and uneven terrain.



Coordinated by Montreat Conference Center.




Montreat

Originally founded as a spiritual retreat center, Montreat, nestled on Lake Susan at the foot of Graybeard Mountain, continues to be a peaceful destination for those seeking respite. Footpaths weave through the 4,000 acres of surrounding woodlands and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer other recreational opportunities.
Accommodations
Beautiful conference center overlooking small lake in the center of Montreat. Spacious lounges, classrooms, fireplace and dining facilities in same building.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Righton McCallum
Righton McCallum is a retired English teacher and research librarian. She has taught the Local History and Research course at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville, N.C. Righton authored the folklore chapter of the textbook “North Carolina Research: Genealogy and Local History” and has also written two books of her own Carolina-inspired poetry, “The Montreat Gate” and “Beside the Lake.” She and her husband have two sons, two granddaughters and an opinionated Scottish Terrier.
 
Anne Lough
Anne Lough is a nationally known traditional musician who performs and teaches at schools, workshops and festivals throughout the East and Midwest. She holds a bachelor’s of music education from Murray State University in Kentucky and a master’s from Western Carolina University. Anne is particularly respected for her artistic, sensitive style of playing of the Appalachian dulcimer, a unique string instrument. Her music has been features on a PBS Christmas special and in educational videos.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
  Montreat, NC 5 nights
 Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Type: Conference Center
  Description: This stately hotel is a beautiful stone building, overlooking a small lake. It has a beautiful, spacious lobby with a fireplace and comfortable furniture for fellowship, puzzles and games, or just relaxing. The building was made from native stone that sparkles with mica. The dining room is in the same building as our housing and meeting facilities, and an elevator serves all floors (except for 7 steps going into one main meeting area). Of Montreat's 4,000 acres, 2,500 acres are dedicated to wilderness and are entered in the NC Registry of National Heritage Areas, and we have more than a dozen maintained hiking trails. Tennis courts also available. We will have board and card games in the lobby for your enjoyment, but if you have a favorite, please feel free to bring it along. An outdoor pool is located on the grounds, but it not open during our Road Scholar programs (only open June 1 - first week in August). However, a lovely fitness center (Cheshire Fitness) is located just a few miles away, and they offer daily or weekly rates for visitors. There are no TVs or phones in the individual housing rooms, but there is a TV in the main lobby, and guests can be reached by leaving a message at the front desk (staffed 24 hours a day). If it is urgent, the front desk staff will contact the coordinator who will deliver the message in person, otherwise a note will be left on the guest's housing door. A quiet reading room is also available, located near the main lobby of the Assembly Inn.
  Ship Information: 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat, NC 28757
  Contact info: 401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x0
web: www.montreat.org/general/housing-options
  Facility amenities: All housing accommodations will be in the Assembly Inn. All rooms have private baths. The bathrooms have a tub/shower unit. Most double occupancy rooms have two beds (a double bed and a single). Single occupancy rooms have one double bed. The bedrooms also have a desk, a clock, radio, Kleenex, closets and lamps, as well as a sink and counter and a large mirror. It would be helpful to bring an umbrella, a flashlight, and individual make-up mirror, if desired. Blankets, sheets, pillows, (beds are made), bath mat and a towel set will be provided (rooms are served by our housekeeping staff and clean towels are available daily). Rooms are heated, and some rooms are air-conditioned. All our meeting spaces are air conditioned. Snack and cold drink vending machines are located on the ground floor, and ice machines are on the second and third floors. Wireless Internet access (with personal laptop) in all areas of the Assembly Inn. Computer in main lobby for access to email and Internet. Courtesy phones are located on each floor.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: call for price/availability. Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: call for price/availability. Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 - 5:30 PM, at the Assembly Inn. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30pm. You will be staying at Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
12:30 PM, at the Assembly Inn. We will have a mid morning break to facilitate check out of the hotel (checkout required by 11 a.m.) You will be staying at Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. None needed
  Parking availability:
Free parking at the Assembly Inn in Montreat.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Montreat, NC
  Nearest city or town:  Black Mountain, NC; nearest large town: Asheville, NC
  Nearest highway: Route 9 to Interstate 40
  Nearest airport:  Asheville Regional Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Montreat, NC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Charlotte, NC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours (all interstate) 
 

Knoxville, TN

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 
 

Greenville, SC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

1 to 1 1/2 hours (all interstate) 
 

Asheville, NC

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
same as listed for airport
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

18 miles
   

arrange for transport with Road Scholar coordinator at Montreat; she will coordinate times with other participants.
 

Asheville, NC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Black Mountain Cab Service
phone: 828-230-1121
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$55
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Road Scholar coordinator at Montreat can arrange shared rides. The base price is $55, and more is added per person for additional passengers, and the total divided among all. For example, 3 people in one trip would be $75 and $25 per person. 2 people -- $33 per person 4 people -- $22 per person 5 people -- $19 per person 6 people -- $18 per person
 
Driving Directions
  From All Points - to Interstate 40 Come to Western North Carolina via Interstate 40; use exit 64 for Black Mountain/Montreat/Route 9 (15 miles east of Asheville, NC). At the exit, turn north on Route 9 (go through one traffic light, across a railroad track and another traffic light, and up the hill to the traffic light). Go straight across where Route 9 becomes Montreat Road, and travel approximately two miles to the Montreat entrance (stone gate). From the gate, continue approximatley 1 1/2 miles to the middle of the conference center. The Assembly Inn is on the hill on the left, across from Lake Susan. Pull up to the front door of the Inn to unload, and then park your car in marked spaces along the lake or the Inn. Please note: do not trust a map or GPS that tries to bring you in on Route 9 (except for the last few miles) instead of Interstate 40 (unless you desire to travel along very sharp curves, up and down mountains). Also, do not take Flat Creek Road... come up Montreat Road (Route 9 North).
Elevation Note: Participants may wish to hike on their own in surrounding mountains, which peak elev. exceed 5,400.

Equipment Requirements: Anyone wishing to enjoy outdoor activities (walking, hiking) should bring hiking boots or shoes with tread on bottom.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: check-in (arrival), getting settled, dinner, and orientation
(Sunday, September 15)
   
 Afternoon: Arrival at the Assembly Inn, check in between 4 - 5:30 PM.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Evening: Our opening program/orientation will be at 7 PM.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: 3 presentations, visit to Mountain Gateway Museum, fun program in the evening
(Monday, September 16)

Note: classroom presentations, field trip to Mountain Gateway Museum
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Morning: Our early morning course, Land, Land, My Land: The Scots-Irish Migration to America with Anne Lough will present an overview of the Scots who emigrated to Ulster and then America. Our mid-morning refreshment will be in the lobby. Afterward, we'll return to the classroom for our presentation on the Scots-Irish Influence on America with Righton McCallum. Because of their Presbyterian religion and heritage, the Scots-Irish were literate in a land of otherwise undereducated settlers. No matter how destitute a family on arrival, if they were industrious, they prospered in some endeavor. We'll explore their contributions!
 Lunch: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Afternoon: Our afternoon course focuses on the contributions of the Scots-Irish in the southern appalachians. Let's learn all about ballads! After class, we'll venture to Old Fort, NC (20 minutes) to visit the Mountain Gateway Museum. The Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center promotes the understanding of regional history and culture and their relationship to the world at large, for the benefit of visitors and residents. Through museum services to historical organizations, collections management, interpretive exhibits, and public events, Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center encourages the preservation and understanding of local, state, and regional history for future generations.
 Dinner: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Evening: Evening program, from 7:00 to 8:00 is "Fun in the Mountains" with Glenn and Evelyn Bannerman. games/cards and tv available in the lobby for fellowship. Perhaps a movie on a big screen, if the group is interested
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: 3 presentations, walk around Montreat, fun evening program
(Tuesday, September 17)

Note: 3 lectures and class discussion, walk around Montreat or hike, fun evening program
   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Morning: Our early morning course "Land, Land, My Land: The Scots-Irish Migration to America", with Anne Lough starts with the people settling the British Isles (Celts, etc.) then brings the history up to the time of James VI (1) and the Ulster Plantation. Mid-morning, we'll have a refreshment break and then return to the classroom for more explorations on the Scots-Irish Influence on America with Righton McCallum. Did you know that the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Scots and signed by 21 men of Gallic descent?
 Lunch: 12:30 - 1:30 lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Afternoon: Our afternoon course is on "Scots-Irish in the Southern Appalachians." We'll explore music traditions, including the dulcimer! You'll learn a tune or two on the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer (yes you can play it in 15 minutes, and you'll love it). After class, we'll have time for a walk around Montreat or a hike in the mountains.
 Dinner: 5:30 - 6:30 dinner
 Evening: Another Fun evening program... a concert or a storyteller will entertain us!
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: 3 presentations, free afternoon to explore the area
(Wednesday, September 18)

Note: 2 classes in the morning, free afternoon, class in the evening.
   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Morning: During the early morning course on "Land, Land, My Land: The Scots-Irish Migration to America," Anne Lough will skip back and forth across the ocean and years to discuss these settlers in the Appalachian mountains. We'll talk about their reasons for emigration to America and how they became part of the American Revolution. Mid-morning, we'll venture to the lobby for refreshments and fellowship After returning to the classroom for the course on "Scots-Irish influence on America" with Righton McCallum.
 Lunch: 12:30 - 1:30 lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Afternoon: Free time to explore the area!
 Dinner: 5:30 - 6:30 dinner
 Evening: During our evening course on "Scots-Irish in the Southern Appalachians" with Anne Lough, we will "kick up our heels" (mountain folk dancing -- so easy, if you can walk, you can do it) and learn about play parties.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: 2 presentations in the morning, 1 in the afternoon, as well as a field trip, fun evening program.
(Thursday, September 19)

Note: 2 lectures in the morning, 1 class in the afternoon (with participation), field trip to Vance Birthplace.
   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast
 Morning: During the early morning course on "Land, Land, My Land: The Scots-Irish Migration to America," Anne Lough will skip back and forth across the ocean and years to discuss these settlers in the Appalachian mountains and to answer your questions about them, the history, the lore, and the music. Our mid-morning break will be in the lobby and then we'll return to the classroom for "Scots-Irish Influence on America" with Righton McCallum.
 Lunch: 12:30 - 1:30 lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Afternoon: Our afternoon course will be "Scots-Irish in the Southern Appalachians" with Anne Lough. We'll explore the beautiful harmony of the shaped note tradition and talk about folk songs and storytelling. Following class, we'll venture for another field trip, this time to Vance Birthplace, located near Weaverville, NC (about 45 minutes). About Vance Birthplace.... This pioneer farmstead, tucked in the Reems Creek Valley, features the birthplace of Zebulon Baird Vance. The five-room log house--reconstructed around original chimneys--and its outbuildings are furnished to evoke the period from 1795- 1840. Vance's political career as Civil War officer, North Carolina governor, and U.S. senator is traced at the homestead. Also included is the history of Vance's famous mountain family. One of the dominant personalities of the South for nearly half a century, Zeb Vance served in public office for 30 years. Though he was a lawyer whose keen humor, intellect, and eloquent manner of speaking made him successful, his real interest was always politics. Characterized by a quality that tied him to the common people of the mountain coves, Zeb Vance was first elected to public office at the age of 24. He served in the N.C. House of Commons (legislative assembly of the day) and the U.S. House of Representatives and was elected governor three times.
 Dinner: 5:30 - 6:30 dinner is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Evening: 7:00 - 8:00 Evening program... concert or storyteller. games/cards/tv in lobby for fellowship (no movie tonight).
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: 2 class presentations
(Friday, September 20)

Note: 2 class presentations, lunch and good-byes



   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Morning: During the early morning course on "Land, Land, My Land: The Scots-Irish Migration to America," Anne Lough will skip back and forth across the ocean and years to discuss these settlers in the Appalachian mountains and to answer your questions about them, the history, the lore, and the music. Our mid-morning break will offer refreshments and an opportunity to check out of your room (check required by 11 a.m.) Our last class of the program will be with Righton McCallum on "Scots-Irish Influence on America." We'll review some of our greatest inventors, our busiest explorers and most intriguing Cherokee chieftains. Our national debt to these courageous settlers is worthy of study! Our closing program is from 12:15 - 12:30, and then we'll have lunch and say our goodbyes.
 Lunch: 12:30 - 1:30 lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Montreat, NC Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Asheville Chamber has specific information on Asheville and the surrounding area. Plenty of shops and places to visit! Enjoy a trolley tour of the city... For additional information, visit www.ashevillechamber.org
  Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt's 255-room mansion built at the end of the 19th Century, with a magnificent art collection and gardens covering 35 acres. For additional information, visit www.biltmore.com
  Black Mountain / Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce located in downtown Black Mountain. Phone number 828 669-2300 Quaint small town with lots of unique shops to explore. Several of these shops are "art" based -- with items the owners make. Information on all area attractions! For additional information, visit www.exploreblackmountain.com
  Black Mountain Golf Course
Boasts the world's longest fairway. Beautiful course with views of the mountains on all sides. For additional information, visit townofblackmountain.org
  Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachians -- and offer some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Hiking trails abound, both in Montreat and in the surrounding area with seasonal flora and fauna.
  Carl Sandburg Home
A simple farmhouse and goat farm donated to the Park Service by Mrs. Sandburg after the famous author and poet's death. Video about the Sandburgs--his literary work--and hers in breeding goats. House kept as though they could come home any minute! For additional information, visit nps.gov/carl
  Cherokee Indian Village
The Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and Unto These Hills outdoor play (seasonal). For additional information, visit untothesehills.com
  Chimney Rock Park
Located in the Hickory Nut Gorge. Enjoy an elevator ride up 26 stores in a granite shaft to the chimney level. Gorgeous views from the top of the "chimney," and lots of hiking trails. Admission fee required. For additional information, visit chimneyrockpark.com
  Folk Art Center
Home of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild (located on the Blue Ridge Parkway) in east Asheville For additional information, visit southernhighlandguild.org/folkart.html
  Grandfather Mountain
Located in Linville, NC; attractions include a mile-high swinging bridge, natural habitat area, and hiking trails For additional information, visit grandfather.com
  Harrah's Casino
Harrah's Casino on the Cherokee Indian Reservation For additional information, visit www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/che/index.html
  Linville Caverns
A 35-minute walking tour through caverns deep under the Humpback Mountain. For additional information, visit linvillecaverns.com
  Thomas Wolfe Home
The childhood home of the famous author -- includes a video about him. House has been made into a museum. For additional information, visit www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/wolfe/wolfe.htm
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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