Appalachian Studies Center

Welcome to the UNG Appalachian Studies Center! As the only Appalachian Studies Center in Georgia, we are dedicated to preserving, cherishing, and adding value to the region and community through programs and research carefully designed to improve the lives of those in the Southern Appalachian area.

Although we are visible in our community and throughout our UNG campuses, our home base is a charming folk Victorian home in Dahlonega, Georgia known as the Historic Vickery House.

We appreciate that you are here and interested in the Appalachian Studies Center. We have many current projects and even more on the horizon and would love for you to join us. We are always open to new ideas, partnerships, and collaborations within our community. Email appalachia@ung.edu if you have any questions, project ideas, interest in joining an ongoing project, or just want to say hello!

Support the Appalachian Studies Center

Join us in our mission to honor and contribute to the quality of life of the Georgia Appalachian community. Donations of Appalachian fiction and nonfiction books, folk art, antique furniture, and other historic items, as well as your time and/or financial assistance, can help support this initiative. For more information about ways to give, contact MaryBeth Byerly.

Make a Financial Contribution

Slemons named Fulbright UKSI scholar

May 6, 2024

Sophomore Emilyn Slemons has been named a 2024 Fulbright UK Summer Institute scholar. In addition, she was named a 2024-25 Newman Civic Fellow.

Class project donated to Vickery House

April 12, 2024

Student Jennie Bosman has donated four pavers she designed and created to the Vickery House garden.

Hometown Harvest named Partner in Education

April 1, 2024

Senior Madison Callas played an integral part in the designation of UNG’s Hometown Harvest as a Lumpkin County 'Partner in Education.'

Bil Lepp to headline Hoag Lecture Series

March 23, 2023

Award-winning storyteller, author and recording artist Bil Lepp will serve as the keynote speaker for UNG's Hoag Lecture Series on April 12.

GPB highlights Hometown Harvest, UNG Food Pantry

GPB highlights Vickery House collaborations

March 6, 2023

"A Fork in the Road" on Georgia Public Broadcasting highlighted UNG's Hometown Harvest collaboration with Lumpkin County Schools and the UNG Food Pantry.

Music education program earns national honor

Music education group earns national honor

May 26, 2022

UNG's collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) received a 2022 Collegiate Chapter of Excellence award.

Students put markers on unmarked graves

February 7, 2022

Appalachian studies and Honors Program students assisted in putting markers on previously unmarked graves of about 280 African Americans in Dahlonega's Mount Hope Cemetery.

Single meal or Thanksgiving box available at food pantries

Food pantries supply daily and holiday meals

November 8, 2021

The food pantry on the Dahlonega Campus has provided a place for clients to eat a single meal while the Gainesville Campus food pantry is preparing to supply clients with a Thanksgiving meal.

Hometown Harvest gets grant for outdoor classroom

Gardens get grant for outdoor class

October 6, 2021

The Hometown Harvest program received a $3,000 grant from the Whole Kids Foundation to create an outdoor classroom behind the Historic Vickery House and increase vegetable production. Founded by Whole

Teachers get experience working with 'gifted' students

Camp teaches instructors, students

June 21, 2021

Camp Appalachia, a weeklong daytime summer camp at UNG, teaches students about Appalachian history and culture through hands-on activities. The program also benefits the instructors, who are professional