By Sky Myers

For the CHA

The Cooleemee Historical Association’s work has always been about educating people about Cooleemee and how it began, how things worked back then, and how the town thrived.

They do this with two museums, the Mill Village Museum and the Mill Family Life Museum, which are open every Tuesday from 1-4 p.m., and by appointment by calling 336-909-4069.

However, they reach students most prominently with the Discovering Our Heritage Kids Programs at Cooleemee Elementary. The programs were initiated decades ago with the same mission they have today, to teach students about Cooleemee’s beginning and continuing history.

CHA accomplished this with several grade-appropriate programs. For example, one of the programs students get to experience is “Chores in Old Cooleemee,” where they get to feed chickens, pigs, and even lead a cow, not to mention churn butter and wash clothes.

At another program, students get to enjoy is “Economics  at the River,” which teaches them how Native Americans, backcountry settlers, and cotton mill people made their living depending on the river.

After some careful planning and thought the CHA’s children’s programs have been rebooted, classes have been added and modified.

Speaking of getting back into full swing, CHA will host a yard/bake sale on Saturday, Sept. 15 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on the Zachary House grounds, rain or shine. If interested in selling, a 12×12 space is $15, or you can get two spaces for $25. CHA is only going to furnish the space, so bring any tents and tables you might need. At the same time the yard sale is going on, CHA will be selling baked goods.

CHA will be having a fall barbecue Nov. 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Zachary House grounds. The barbeque will be cooked by local pitmasters, Walter Ferrell and Clay West. Boston Butts will also be sold for $35, including dip. Pre-order butts by Wednesday, Oct. 31 by calling 336-284-4254.

On BBQ day, there will be a live DJ and demonstrations of Discovering Our Heritage Kids Programs for students and parents to enjoy and learn more about.

Check out the CHA’s new website, cooleemeehistoricassociation.weebly.com. Check out the blog for a list of upcoming events. There is also a link to CHA store.

The main goal the CHA is to continue to grow and support the children’s programs and two museums. Volunteers are needed for the children’s programs and fundraisers. If interested in volunteering, call 336-284-6040 or email blinky1@yadtel.com.