Watauga High Students Curate Junaluska History Exhibit

Local students bring the story of Junaluska to life at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A highly stylized, silkscreen-inspired illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a traditional Native American woven basket in a grid of bold, neon-like colors, conceptually representing the student-led exhibit on Junaluska history.A student-curated exhibit at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum brings the rich history of the Junaluska community to life through a vibrant, modern artistic lens.Blowing Rock Today

A group of Watauga High School students took on a history project about Junaluska, a historic Native American community in North Carolina, and ended up curating their own exhibit at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum to share what they learned with the public.

Why it matters

The Junaluska community has a rich history that is not widely known, and this student-led exhibit provides an opportunity to educate the local community about an important part of the region's past. By engaging directly with the museum, the students gained valuable experience in researching, curating, and presenting historical information.

The details

The students spent time researching the history of Junaluska, a community founded by Cherokee leader Junaluska in the early 19th century. They then worked with the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum to develop an exhibit that would bring this history to life for museum visitors.

  • The students began their research project on Junaluska earlier this school year.
  • The exhibit opened to the public at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum on April 9, 2026.

The players

Watauga High School

A public high school located in Boone, North Carolina that serves students in Watauga County.

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum

A museum in Blowing Rock, North Carolina that focuses on preserving and sharing the history and culture of the local region.

Junaluska

A historic Native American community founded in the early 19th century in what is now western North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“We're really proud of the work our students have done to bring this important history to light. It's been a valuable learning experience for them, and we hope it will inspire others to explore the rich cultural heritage of our region.”

— Dr. Samantha Wilcox, Principal, Watauga High School

The takeaway

This student-led exhibit demonstrates the power of engaging young people in preserving and sharing local history. By empowering students to research, curate, and present their findings, the Watauga High School and Blowing Rock Art and History Museum have created an educational experience that benefits both the students and the broader community.