About
Center for Pioneer Life
Established in 2018 by the Strawbridge and Martha Wilson Young Foundation, the Center for Pioneer Life is located on twelve acres of beautiful farmland in the scenic Shoal Creek Valley of Yancey County, about three miles from downtown Burnsville, North Carolina. The descendants of Strawbridge and Martha Wilson Young settled this property more than 180 years ago.
The heart and highlight of our campus is the reconstructed Josiah and Frances Ray Young Cabin, circa 1847. The homestead also includes a demonstration garden, farm plot, and reconstructed outbuildings such as a blacksmithing forge, spring house, corn crib, and tool shed. Hands-on learning opportunities for all ages allow visitors an immersive experience on an 1850s subsistence farm.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to share the lifeways of Southern Appalachian pioneer families through experiential education and community programming that inspires visitors to bring the resiliency and creative spirit of the pioneers into their own lives.
We have regular hours during which we offer tours of our reconstructed 1850s homestead, and our reading library and gift shop are open to the public (see our hours HERE).
We also offer four main types of specialized programming:
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Field trips for local schools and homeschool groups, as well as other community groups
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Hands-on workshops in traditional skills
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Community conversations and guest lectures
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Special seasonal events, such as our Fall Festival
Drop-In Hours
Reading Room
Wednesday, Thursday 1-4
Drop-In Tour
Friday 1-4
The Homestead
Highlighted by the reconstructed Josiah and Frances Ray Young Cabin (circa 1847), our farm features accompanying reconstructed farm buildings and grounds that greet you with a glimpse of the past. Here, visitors learn how pioneer families lived as they take an interactive journey through time. Activities and hands-on learning opportunities for all ages allow for an immersive experience on an 1850s subsistence farm. Also included at the homestead are a demonstration garden, farm plot, working team of draft horses, blacksmithing forge, spring house, corn crib, tool shed and other seasonal offerings.
The Earl and Betty Banks
Young Center
This mid-1900's farm house updated with a modern facade and remodeled interior, offers two main areas. One side holds a gathering hall for lectures, presentations, meetings, and events. The other is comprised of offices for the Strawbridge and Martha Wilson Young Foundation, the Center for Pioneer Life operations, a meeting and research room, and kitchen.
There are modern amenities throughout.
