Historic preservation
Document, restore, and interpret historic structures and artifacts so that buildings and tools become resources for public learning.
Historic buildings · Traditional construction · Public interpretation
APPALACHIAN ROOTS. GENERATIONS AHEAD.
The past has
a future.
In our hands.
Preserving the places, skills, and traditions of the past by putting them into the hands of the next generation.
Discover the vision
PRESERVE THE PLACESPRACTICE THE SKILLSPASS THEM ON
01 / OUR VISION
Heritage lives
when we use it.
A timber joint fitted by hand. A story told across a workbench. A garden that teaches us how to care for the land.
Walling Mountain Foundation is taking shape around a simple purpose: to preserve and pass on the traditional skills, places, stories, and land-based practices of Appalachia and rural America.
Our vision brings education, historic preservation, and conservation together. Historic buildings become classrooms. Experienced craftspeople become teachers. The next generation learns by doing.
Our missionTo preserve and pass on Appalachian and American rural heritage by restoring historic places, teaching traditional arts, trades, agriculture, and land-stewardship skills, and providing hands-on educational and service opportunities.
02 / THE WORK AHEAD
Old knowledge.
New hands.
Four connected priorities guide the Foundation’s plans. These are the programs we aim to develop as the organization takes shape.
Traditional skills
Connect experienced practitioners with new learners through workshops, demonstrations, mentorships, and hands-on instruction.
Woodworking · Blacksmithing · Textiles · Foodways
Land stewardship
Teach the relationship between rural communities and the land through agricultural heritage, conservation, and practical outdoor learning.
Heritage gardens · Forestry · Soil & water · Historic landscapes
Youth & service
Develop opportunities for young people to build practical skills through supervised preservation and conservation projects that serve the public.
Mentorship · Practical trades · Conservation · Service
03 / THE LONG VIEW
A living heritage
community.
A place where traditions are practiced, taught, and carried forward.
The long-term vision for Walling Mountain is a heritage village: an educational campus and outdoor museum where historic and historically appropriate buildings house working craftspeople, demonstrations, and hands-on learning.
A workshop might become a place to learn timber framing. A garden might introduce a school group to heritage crops. A working shop might connect a master craftsperson with an apprentice.
The heritage village and a future youth conservation corps are development concepts. Visiting information, program dates, and enrollment details will be shared as plans become established.
04 / BUILT FOR PUBLIC BENEFIT
A purpose worth
preserving.
Education, preservation, service, and stewardship are the principles guiding the Foundation’s formation.
Who is this work for?
The vision includes children and families, school and homeschool groups, adult learners, aspiring craftspeople, local residents, and anyone interested in Appalachian and American rural heritage.
What stage is the Foundation in?
The Foundation is in its planning and formation stage. This site describes its mission and proposed activities; it does not announce an operating heritage village or open program registration.
How does the Foundation relate to the farm?
The Foundation is being developed for charitable and educational work, with a purpose distinct from the commercial activities of Walling Mountain Farms LLC. Its proposed programs focus on learning, preservation, conservation, and public benefit.
Can I make a donation?
Online donations are not open through this site. Information about giving and the Foundation’s tax status will be shared when confirmed.
HELP CARRY IT FORWARD
Every tradition needs
someone to pass it on.
Our vision has room for craftspeople, educators, preservationists, and neighbors who believe these skills still have something to teach us.
Start a conversation