2026 Jan Wyatt Symposium

This year's program, "We Hold These Truths: Western North Carolina and America at 250," examines the legacies of America's founding in western North Carolina. It looks at the complex narratives that shape the history and culture of the region. We'll examine how Cherokee, women, and African Americans experienced our nation's founding ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Once colonial America's westernmost boundary, the Appalachian Mountains sparked a revolution over expansionist ideals for a new nation. In the years since America's founding, people in the region experienced the promises of the founding documents differently. Faced with removal, enslavement, and disenfranchisement, people in the region had to fight for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence long after the document was signed. In the 250 years since America's creation, individuals and social movements worked to expand the promises of the founding document to include all people. 

The event includes a slate of speakers, presentations, and a catered lunch at Lewis Hall in the center of Cashiers at The Village Green.

This year's Symposium speakers are:

Shana Bushyhead Condill, Executive Director of the Museum of the Cherokee People

Shana will speak about the history of the Cherokee in southern Appalachia. A pivotal moment for Cherokee sovereignty, the American Revolution marked a change for Cherokee government, land base, community, and family structure. Condill will offer the perspective of the American Revolution from the Cherokee point of view.

Steven Nash, Professor of History at East Tennessee State University

Steven will discuss Reconstruction and emancipation in southern Appalachia following the American Civil War. Reconstruction-era legislation expanded the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to include newly freed African Americans. The struggle over equality enshrined during Reconstruction spilled over into the 20th century and defined the Civil Rights Movement.

Amelia Golcheski, Executive Director of Cashiers Historical Society

Amelia will discuss the history of women in Appalachia. Though women did not recieve the right to vote until 1920, women in southern Appalachia were community leaders. She will examine how Appalachian women fought for equality while building and sustaining their local communities.