Heritage Trunks Classroom Learning Tools

In 2019, the Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation debuted its Heritage Trunks project.  Intended as a way to bring more local history into the second grade classrooms, each Avery County elementary school was given a set of lesson plans for six different subjects (history, civics, geography, language arts, geometry and science) complete with curriculum points addressed in each lesson, a “history story” to tie each lesson to local history, activity worksheets, supplemental information and also a trunk of materials to use in the classroom.

To further the reach of this county-wide asset we have partnered with Blue Ridge Partnership for Children in Newland, NC to offer these tools as a kit available for loan to all area families at no cost.  For information on how to access this kit and other BRPC tools for your family, please contact Mimi Niles, Technical Assistance Specialist  at ta@brpartnershipforchildren.org or (828)733-2899 or

Alternatively, we offer the written  lesson plans (below) to anyone interested in sharing local Banner Elk area history with these downloadable documents.  We hope that this project brings local history to life in your teaching and that it sparks a life-long love of history in the children that participate in the activities.

These lesson plans are offered to you at NO COST.  However, should you wish to show your appreciation with a contribution to the Foundation, a donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated.  

DOWNLOADABLE LESSON PLANS