Mountain Empire Community College has a commitment to preserve, learn, and teach the heritage of mountain folk. Community participation by those who can teach the heritage of the area is a part of the implementation of this commitment. Some of the older people in the MECC service area either take the course work in folklife or come to the classes and serve as resource persons, activities that give the older people a renewed feeling of self-worth, stimulate a new pride in mountain life, and help to bridge the generation gap. In the first year of the college's operation, over 4,500 persons participated in the semi-annual Home Crafts Days, during which older craftsmen demonstrate and teach crafts once considered essential for survival in the mountains, such as shoeing mules, quilting, carding wool, and building barns. These activities have stimulated the interest of individuals, community groups, local television, and the Children's Television Workshop, which filmed the building of a log barn. Students go out into the region on field work assignments to talk to and work with craftsmen and musicians. A record album of local music is being prepared, and a cooperative venture with the Virginia State Parks called Tunnel Crafts brings demonstrations and exhibits of music and crafts to a local State park on weekends. The college is also planning the development of a summer Virginia Folklife and Culture Seminar for public school teachers. (KM)