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Contact the Mountain Heritage Center

Horace Kephart writing artifacts

 

Let us hear from you!

We'd love to receive your questions, comments, or suggestions. Give us a call at 828.227.7129 or Email us.

Location

176 Central Drive
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723

Mailing Address

Mountain Heritage Center
176 Central Drive #240
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC  28723

Hours 

Call 828.227.7129 to confirm opening hours.

Mountain Heritage Center Main Gallery: 
10am – 4pm Monday through Friday
Second Floor Gallery:
8am – 5pm Monday through Friday


Center Staff

The Mountain Heritage Center Staff Offices are located in Hunter Library #240, across the exhibit lobby from the elevator. Please feel free to come by and ask questions!

MHC Director Amber C. Albert

 

Dr. Albert earned her Doctorate in Public History from Middle Tennessee State University. She has worked in a variety of roles within the museum field including historic preservation, education, and fundraising. As a native of Appalachia, she is passionate about the preservation of mountain culture and heritage.

 

 

Amy Archambault joined the MHC in February 2025, working to discover and inventory anything related to University history in preparation of the 150th anniversary.  She holds an MS in Library and Information Science with a recent focus on archival management.  Amy is involved with the Society of American Archivists, Student and New Professionals section and the Society of North Carolina Archivists.  Infinitely curious, she loves learning new things, bookmaking and being in the mountains.

MHC Collections Manager Loran Berg

 

Loran Berg earned his Master’s in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University and has a wide variety of experience in museums specializing in collections, exhibits and preparation, and archives. He is also active in the Cultural Resource Emergency Support Team, the National Heritage Responders, NC Museums Council, and Southeastern Registrars Association. Loran is passionate about educating our students in the joys of working in the museum field.

 

Associate Director Peter Koch holds an M.A. in public history from North Carolina State University. He is involved with community and K-12 programs and also works with the many student interns the MHC hosts each year. 

MHC Education Associate Peter Koch

 

 

He is on the boards of the WNC Civil War Roundtable and of Civil War Trails. He has also had a long involvement in the North Carolina Museums Council.

 

Please contact him if you would like more information on educational programs, volunteer opportunities, or ideas for how the MHC can support your community history projects.

MHC Museum Operations Coordinator Andrea Spooner

 

Andrea Spooner is the Museum Operations Coordinator at the Mountain Heritage Center, helping oversee student workers and operations of the center. She moved from up-state recently and is excited to plant her roots in this community for years to come.

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