
In April 1978, ETSU dedicated the new Institute for Appalachian Affairs and the Appalachian
Room in Sherrod Library. The Appalachian Room held rare books and materials related
to the region. On September 1, 1978, the Archives of Appalachia officially opened
to promote an awareness of and appreciation for Appalachian culture and history. Foremost
among those persons instrumental in establishing the Archives were ETSU professors
Thomas Burton and Ambrose Manning whose Oral History Archives of Appalachian folklore,
manners, and customs formed the core of the Archives' early collections.
In 1984, ETSU inaugurated the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services to provide a comprehensive resource for the study of Appalachian history and cultural heritage. The Center included the Institute of Appalachian Affairs, the Reece Museum, and the Archives of Appalachia. Under the direction of the Center, the Archives envisioned broad access to scholarly resources and focused on strengthening its collections to document the full spectrum of the southern Appalachian experience.
In 1998, the Archives moved to its present location on the fourth floor of the Charles C. Sherrod Library. By partnering with the library for increased space and digital resources, the Archives expanded its manuscript holdings, initiated a digital preservation program for unique and rare sound recordings, and extended educational and public services.
