Western Carolina University created the Mountain Heritage Award in 1976. According to then Chancellor, H.F. Robinson, the award recognizes “outstanding contributions to the preservation or interpretation of the history and culture of Southern Appalachia, or for outstanding contributions to research on, or interpretation of, contemporary or future problems which threaten the quality of life of the people of the region.” In 2007 the award committee recommended that the award be split into two categories—individual and organization—to better reflect the unique contributions of each.
Mountain Heritage Award Winners By Year
| Year | Name of Winner | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | John Parris | ||||
| 1977 | Cherokee Historical Association | ||||
| 1978 | Leona T. Hayes | ||||
| 1979 | H. F. Robinson | ||||
| 1980 | Henry Arvel Greene and Jane Patton Greene | ||||
| 1981 | Asheville Citizen-Times | ||||
| 1982 | Douglas James Ferguson | ||||
| 1983 | John B. Battle | ||||
| 1984 | Old Buncombe Genealogical Society | ||||
| 1985 | Penland School of Crafts | ||||
| 1986 | Mary Ulmer Chiltosky | ||||
| 1987 | Jackson County Historical Association | ||||
| 1988 | Mars Hill College | ||||
| 1989 | Mary Cornwell | ||||
| 1990 | Joe Parker Rhinehart | ||||
| 1991 | Hugh Morton | ||||
| 1992 | Qualla Arts & Crafts, Mutual | ||||
| 1993 | John C. Campbell Folk School | ||||
| 1994 | William Douglas Davis | ||||
| 1995 | Bea Hensley | ||||
| 1996 | Robert Bushyhead | ||||
| 1997 | Cradle of Forestry in America | ||||
| 1998 | Museum of the Cherokee Indian | ||||
| 1999 | Mary Jane Queen and the Queen Family | ||||
| 2000 | Southern Highland Handicraft Guild | ||||
| 2001 | Young Adult Choir, Tried Stone Missionary Baptist Church | ||||
| 2002 | Mountain Dance and Folk Festival | ||||
| 2003 | Ray Hicks | ||||
| 2004 | Walker Calhoun | ||||
| 2005 | Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Department | ||||
| 2006 | The Deitz Family | ||||
| After 2006, the award was seperated into two categories: Individual and Organizational | |||||
| Year | Name of Winners | ||||
| 2007 |
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| 2008 |
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| 2009 |
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| 2010 |
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| 2011 |
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| 2012 |
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