Appalachian South Folklife Center

...dedicated to a mountain heritage of freedom and self-reliance; a peaceful place where people of all ages, races, faiths and origins can share community work and creativity....
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About Us

Our Heritage......

ASFC was started in 1965 by Don West.  While Don was best known for his poetry, he also played an important role in the civil and labor rights movements.  When he moved to Pipestem, he and his wife Connie built a place in the tradition of the Danish Folk Schools they had visited to perpetuate our mountain culture and help children.  After his and Connie's passing they left their legacy to continue their work.

 

 

 

Our Present... 

Today, we are a 45 year old 501(c)(3) nonprofit education organization run by an 8 member board of directors coordinated by a director and guided and powered by volunteers.  We have a strong emphasis on service learning that encourages people to make life decisions that enrich the community and world at large.

We offer extra educational opportunities to children that may not have gotten them otherwise.

 

Our campus is a perfect quiet, tranquil setting for other organizations to hold large meetings, retreats and events.  We strengthen grassroots organizations by providing a low cost solution for gathering their members together. 

Music events highlight our year showcasing some of the best local and not so local talent in our newly renovated outdoor amphitheatre. 

 
 
 


Frequently Asked Questions

What type of organization are you?
We are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.  We are not affiliated with any other organization.  Although located near Pipestem State Park we are not a state organization nor part of any park system.  We receive no government funding other that small grants commonly available to other private nonprofit organizations. 
So, where does funding come from?

Most of our funding comes from donations and from the services we provide. 

Do you need volunteers?

Yes!  Volunteers are the most important asset to the center.  Whether your skills are administrative, technical or artistic we have a place for you.  We are open and accepting to all people who are kind and even offer opportunities for people  to do community service to fulfill some type of agreement. 

How would I apply to volunteer or participate in your programs?

An email is a good way to start.  List your needs and or services requested and the center's staff will compare them to the current programs or services and get back to you.  Of course you can call or write to the address listed on our contact us page. 

How much does it cost to rent ASFC for our next retreat/music event/reunion?

The cost depends on the services requested, number of guests and lodging chioces. 

We are an inclusive organization that believes that people of all ages, races, faiths and origins can share community work and creativity.  We urge like-minded people to join us in our mission to boost the spirit of freedom and self-reliance for all people.