Just as the turning leaves in the trees began to paint the mountains, I made my journey from Lincoln, Nebraska down to Mountain City to start as the Assistant Curator and Education Outreach Coordinator at Foxfire. I was stunned by the natural beauty that engulfed me, but even more impacted by the incredible legacy of Foxfire. Though familiar with the organization, prior to my arrival in the state, I was unaware of the depth and influence of the organization. I have since been immersed in voices of the past and the rich culture of the Appalachians—and loving every minute of it.
Originally from the St. Louis area, I moved to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for graduate school, where I recently completed a master’s in historical archaeology. While there, I was a graduate fellow with the Center for Great Plains Studies and the Center for Digital Research in the Humanities’ Digital Scholarship Incubator. I also worked with the interdisciplinary Campus Archaeology digital project, creating photogrammetric 3D models and online exhibits. Previous to this, I received my bachelor’s in history with a minor in archaeology from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. I have also worked as an intern with the Steamboat Bertrand Collection at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, the Midwest Archeological Center, and the Missouri History Museum. All of these experiences came from an early interest in history and community engagement when I volunteered as a re-enactor at the age of ten.
I am passionate about restoring life and humanity to history by preserving and sharing historic narratives. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for an amazing organization like Foxfire that shares these goals. Over the next several months, I will help increase the interpretation and exhibitions at Foxfire. Already I have helped gut a cabin for restoration, worked with a middle school tour group, and created displays for our root cellar and smokehouse. I look forward to building and expanding these efforts, but most importantly, becoming more familiar with the culture of my new home.
~ Kami Ahrens
Assistant Curator/Educational Outreach Coordinator
You are in a position to witness the end of the Appalachian way of life. I am in my late 40’s and learned so much from the older generations , sadly I did’nt learn all I could. I have read and use foxfire to try and piece together some things . My memories and lessons of the oldtimers is one my youngins will never know. The foxfire series is a time capsule that will fall on deaf ears . In todays polityical correct, and tec filled version of life my children are taught that the values and skills of mine and my forefathers are useless and even raciest or bigoted. You will more than likely think I am so wrong in my thinking of my culture disappearing, all you need do is listen to a 20 something . They will sound and act exactly like a 20 something from any other place in the U.S. My challenge to you is this: record and document what culture is left accurately and un-biased . Sorry to be so negative but I am so saddened that my children will never know what it was like to be proud of where they come from. They will also never understand the many obstacles and isolated conditions that their kin and neighbors thrived in until just so recently .
Thank you
Jon Pitt
It is so neat to see some one from Missouri so involved with this heritage adventure. I noticed you also attended Lindenwood, Univ. in our home town.
It is also nice to see some one so young taking up the torch of our heritage.
My wife’s family is from Missouri farm country and we try to take our eleven year old to ‘the farm’ as much as possible. She also has a tomato stand each year of her own tomatoes
While I was born in England I have come to love the Missouri Log cabin and have restored or worked on several in our area. Another bit of history we are passing on to our daughter.
Good luck with all you are doing there and all the best from Missouri.