John C. Campbell Folk School

Founded in 1925 by Olive Dame Campbell and Marguerite Butler, the John C. Campbell Folk School is the oldest and largest folk school in the United States. Inspired by the Danish folkehøjskole tradition, this nonprofit organization pioneered non-competitive adult education in the Appalachian region, creating a model that celebrates learning for its own sake.

Nestled on 270 scenic acres in Brasstown, North Carolina, the Folk School offers over 800 year-round classes in traditional and contemporary arts across more than 50 disciplines, including blacksmithing, weaving, woodworking, pottery, cooking, gardening, and nature studies. Music and dance remain central to the Folk School experience, with regular offerings in old-time and bluegrass music, instrument making, and traditional Appalachian dance.

The Folk School serves as a vibrant community gathering place, hosting weekly Friday evening concerts, biweekly Saturday community dances, and regular jams at the Keith House and the Crown Restaurant in downtown Murphy. The Junior Appalachian Musicians program nurtures the next generation of traditional musicians, while special events like Spring Dance Weekend and Winter Dance Week draw dancers and musicians from across the country.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the campus includes historic buildings, craft studios, nature trails, and the History Center featuring Doris Ulmann's iconic photographs of 1930s Appalachia. The Folk School also operates Olive's Porch, a community craft workshop space in downtown Murphy.

With its motto "I sing behind the plow," the Folk School continues to foster creativity, preserve traditional arts, and build community in the mountains of Western North Carolina.