Students learn about music, history at Earl Scruggs Center
The Earl Scruggs Center collaborates with Cleveland County Schools to bring unique educationalopportunities to students.
During the month of October, more than 1,000 students in Cleveland County Schools made special trips to the Earl Scruggs Center. At the end of the month, Redefining Builders: The African American Communities in Cleveland County, a special exhibit developed by the Earl Scruggs Center, began a tour of the county’s high schools.
This fall, Cleveland County 4th-grade students take part in field trips at the museumwhere they learn about the life of Earl Scruggs and his impact on American music as well as the historycounty in which he was raised. Trips consist of a scavenger hunt activity throughout the first floorexhibits and a special program in the Great Hall with such musicians and educators Darin Aldridge, theForeign Landers, and local storyteller, Clyde Buckner.
“Early in my life I was influenced by one of North Carolina’s treasures, David Holt, who broughtinstruments to my elementary school. That experience fueled my passion for music,” said Darin Aldridge. “There’s nothing better in life than sharing my love of music and encouraging children that they can be anything they set their minds to. It’s been a great joy of mine to work with the Earl Scruggs Center to help students learn about the rich musical heritage that’s all around them, right here in Cleveland County.”
Developed by co-curators Zach Dressel and Chavis Gash, Redefining Builders: The African AmericanCommunities of Cleveland County, explores the definition of “builder” in terms of building communities.The exhibit celebrates the African American history in Cleveland County, including vibrant businesses, faith and civic organizations, and leaders within the community.
"For students in Cleveland County, history is a window to the world of those that came before us,” Gash said. “The view from this window is of the accomplishments and lives of those who might not be known but have contributed to the life we live now in Cleveland County."
The Earl Scruggs Center, located at 103 S. Lafayette St., is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours until 6 pm on Wednesdays.
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Students learn about music, history at Earl Scruggs Center
