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 91�ȱ��� Stories      May 20, 2025

Effective May 1, Peter Koch was promoted from the position of museum education associate to associate director of Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center.

Koch has worked at the Mountain Heritage Center since 1998. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science from Guilford College followed by a master of arts degree in public history from North Carolina State University. In 2015, the North Carolina Museums Council awarded Koch the Professional Service Award for his dedicated work to advance the role of museums in North Carolina. Today, Koch serves as the Western NC region representative on the Civil War Trails Inc. advisory board.

“Peter has an excellent track record of developing original programming that connects our neighbors today with mountain communities of the past,” said Amber C. Albert, executive director of the Mountain Heritage Center. “This new role will enable him to further engage learners of all ages as he broadens the 91�ȱ��� Mountain Heritage Center’s community engagement.”

Koch’s new responsibilities include establishing and facilitating an advisory community board to provide strategic insights, foster collaboration, and support organizational goals; Act as a primary liaison with community stakeholders fostering relationships that enhance the organization’s visibility and impact in the community. In addition to his new responsibilities, Koch will continue to develop, present, and evaluate a variety of onsite and outreach educational programs on southern Appalachian history and culture for K-12 and college students, family, and adult audiences.

Koch will also continue to manage Mountain Heritage Day performers and demonstrators and plan festival educational activities with students and volunteers

“Over the years the Mountain Heritage Center has done more to support community entities and, with this new role, I’m looking forward to strengthening those relationships by providing an outlet for their stories,” Koch said. “There are always new and fascinating areas of mountain history to learn – difficult stories like incarcerated labor or Indian boarding schools, but also stories to celebrate like the Craft Revival of mountain crafts. I’m excited to learn more.”