BOONE — The Watauga County Heritage Museum is continuing to gain momentum, with members recently participating in the annual meeting.

Daniel Boone (Davy Davis) greeted the members as they entered Grace Lutheran Church’s Fellowship Hall for the annual meeting, which marked the beginning of a gathering that continued with fun, fellowship, information, and serious planning.

As members entered the Fellowship Hall, they were welcomed by acclaimed scholar of Appalachian folk music, Olivia Phillips, who sang and accompanied herself on the guitar. She also provided a video loop showing mountain musicians who played throughout the meeting.

The WCHM, Inc. has existed for only a little over one year but already boasts a significant membership of 125-150 interested citizens representing all areas of Watauga County.

Floyd Hicks led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sheriff Len Hagaman offered the invocation.

Following dinner and fellowship, a short business session was conducted by Vice Chair Steve Sudderth, the chairman and MC of the annual meeting. Three new board members were elected: Floyd Hicks, Alan Hauser, and J.P. Greene.

Following their election, the Board selected the Executive Committee: Diane Cornett Deal, Chair; Steve Sudderth, Vice Chair; Mary Moretz, Secretary; Judy Moretz, Treasurer; J.P. Greene, Lee Stroupe, and Charlie Wallin. Other Board members are Braxton Eggers, Charlie Sellers, Sam Adams, Brenda Councill, Len Hagaman, Donna McNeil, and Nathan Miller. Dana Bango serves as the Parliamentarian for both the Board and the Executive Committee.

Chair Diane Cornett Deal informed the gathering about the WCHM’s many accomplishments in its first full year. She cited the web page, membership expansion, and our Pop-Up Museum, among others. She asked for and received many ideas for fundraising.

Vice Chair Steve Sudderth reported that his site selection committee is still working to find an appropriate location for the museum. The museum prefers a location outside of any municipality, one that is easily accessible and not in a floodplain.

J.P. Greene illustrated the concept of the Pop-Up Museum by discussing the importance of old country stores in Watauga communities. He had photos, a 1903 ledger, and a huge old mercantile catalogue which he used to illustrate the activities of his ancestors in supporting the rural communities of Sweetwater (now Bethel) and Beaverdam. He asked for volunteers to help with future Pop-Up Museums. The WCHM will utilize the Pop-Ups to raise awareness about the need for a brick-and-mortar museum and, subsequently, to remind various communities of their unique history and heritage.

Keynote speaker and North Carolina Historian of the Year for 2010, Michael C. Hardy, did not disappoint. He told the rapt audience that he has a history problem, perhaps better stated as an addiction.

He said that “we do a poor job telling our history,” not just locally but also nationally.

“Having a museum to tell our story is very important for our students, our youth,” Hardy said. “We should tell our history using every tool we can, including the Pop-Up museums, by taking them to communities, festivals, and the state fair.”

He said they can use podcasts and websites, such as “Watauga History Hunters.”

“Let’s not wait for others to come in and put their stamp on our history,” he said. “It is up to us.”

Lee Stroupe organized a silent auction, where guests tried to outbid each other and ultimately won the bid. Door prizes included chrysanthemums, homemade apple jelly, and molasses.

The enthusiasm for their heritage and a future museum permeated the entire meeting. Several people who moved away to follow their careers came home to support the formation of a heritage museum traveling from Michigan, Pennsylvania and the Charlotte area.

Patriarch Clint Cornett attended with five generations of his family from the Bethel community.

Anyone who is interested in preserving the heritage of Watauga County is invited to visit wataugacountyheritagemuseum.org.