North Carolina
The Legacy of the Scots-Irish: Historical Migration to Cultural Inspiration
Program No. 2014160MEADV-1116-60
Learn how the Scots-Irish helped shape our nation as you explore their contributions to Appalachian culture, Civil War history and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
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PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025
Starting at
1,219Apr 6 - Apr 11, 2025
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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
6
Scots Irish Influence on America
Montreat, NC
At a Glance
From the 17th Century to the present, the saga of Scots-Irish history and culture is one of our nation’s most fascinating stories. Trace the path of the Scots-Irish and discover why many settled in the Southern Appalachian region, where they adapted to conquer adversities, tame the wilderness and became great inventors and explorers. Discover cultural traditions from the old country that found fertile ground in Appalachia, and see how music, story and dance flourished and took on new life in the isolation of mountain life.
Activity Level
Easy Going
All facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required; a few stairs. Outside areas are mountainous, with inclines and uneven terrain.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Get a new perspective on the music, crafts and history of Southern Appalachia during field trips to the Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center and the Folk Art Center.
- Visit the Oak and Grist Distillery and learn about their history and process. We'll visit the tasting room too!
- Learn about the Scots who were instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and about the 21 men of Gallic descent who signed it.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. Opportunities are available for traveling companions to attend a different program at Montreat during the same week. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices will be unavailable.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Sam Hobson
A native of Black Mountain, N.C., Sam Hobson is a retired Presbyterian Church pastor. He is a trainer for facilitators of Healthy Congregations workshops and is a bridge builder for conflict management, and is working to write training manuals for leaders in the church. He is also a homebrewer!
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Sam Hobson
View biography
A native of Black Mountain, N.C., Sam Hobson is a retired Presbyterian Church pastor. He is a trainer for facilitators of Healthy Congregations workshops and is a bridge builder for conflict management, and is working to write training manuals for leaders in the church. He is also a homebrewer!
Anne Lough
View biography
Anne Lough is an internationally known traditional musician who performs and teaches at schools, workshops and festivals throughout the country, in the British Isles, Ireland and Belgium. She holds a bachelor’s in music education from Murray State University in Kentucky and a master’s from Western Carolina University. Anne is particularly respected for her artistic, sensitive style of playing and skill as an instructor and arranger. She has produced many books of dulcimer arrangements and her music can be heard on several recordings.
Righton McCallum
View biography
Righton McCallum is a retired English teacher and research librarian. She has taught the local history and research course at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville, N.C. Righton authored the folklore chapter of the textbook “North Carolina Research: Genealogy and Local History” and has also written two books of her own Carolina-inspired poetry, “The Montreat Gate” and “Beside the Lake.” She and her husband have two sons, three granddaughters, and one grandson; they are all owned by a tabby cat.
Tracy Bailey
View biography
Tracy has been on the program staff of Montreat Conference Center since 1986. She began working with Elderhostel programs in 1989, and in 1997 assumed the additional role of on-site coordinator. A native of the area, she graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 1981. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, pottery and reading. Tracy married Sam in 2007, and added three daughters to her family. In addition to her own grown children, she and Sam have been foster parents since 2010. They have four grandchildren.
Lee Knight
View biography
Lee Knight is a folk singer, story teller and Road Scholar instructor of over 40 years. Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, he performs at concerts, workshops, festivals, and schools. Lee shares his knowledge of the natural world as well as music and stories of the Southern Appalachian mountains. He has collected and shares Cherokee legends and plays the Cherokee flute and rattle, as well as the Native American drum. He also plays the five-string banjo, guitars, and the Appalachian dulcimer.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Legacy of the Scots-Irish: Historical Migration to Cultural Inspiration
Program Number: 20141
Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America.
Biography of one family and how it fits into history.
Tories: Fighting for the King in America's First Civil War
Ireland, A Novel
Wayfaring Strangers: The Musical Voyage from Scotland and Ulster to Appalachia
From the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries, a steady stream of Scots migrated to Ulster and eventually onward across the Atlantic to resettle in the United States. Many of these Scots-Irish immigrants made their way into the mountains of the southern Appalachian region. They brought with them a wealth of traditional ballads and tunes from the British Isles and Ireland, a carrying stream that merged with sounds and songs of English, German, Welsh, African American, French, and Cherokee origin. Their enduring legacy of music flows today from Appalachia back to Ireland and Scotland and around the globe. Ritchie and Orr guide readers on a musical voyage across oceans, linking people and songs through centuries of adaptation and change.
Enriched by the insights of key contributors to the living tradition on both sides of the Atlantic, accompanying this abundantly illustrated volume is an online Spotify playlist featuring over 20 songs by musicians profiled in the book, including Dolly Parton, Dougie MacLean, Cara Dillon, John Doyle, Pete Seeger, Sheila Kay Adams, Jean Ritchie, Doc Watson, David Holt, Anais Mitchell, Al Petteway, and more.
The Scots-Irish in the Carolinas
The United States of Appalachia: How Southern Mountaineers Brought Independence, Culture, and Enlightenment to America
Apples on the Flood: The Southern Mountain Experience
academically oriented
various others
The Scots-Irish in
Pennsylvania and Kentucky (1998); Faith and Freedom: The Scots-Irish In America
(1999); Heroes of the Scots-Irish In America (2000); The Making of America: How the
Scots-Irish Shaped a Nation (2001); Women of the Frontier (2004); & Our Most Priceless
Heritage: The Lasting Legacy of the Scots-Irish in America (2005).
The Scottish Settlers of America: The 17th and 18th Centuries.
Not strictly Southern Appalachians.
The Scottish Invention of America, Democracy & Human Rights: The History of Liberty and Freedom from the Ancient Celts to the New Millennium.
Academically oriented, but excellent resource.
The Scotch-Irish: A Social History
the best of the best!
From Philadelphia To The South, The Great Wagon Road: How Scotch- Irish And Germanics Settled the Uplands.
Good, overall review.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Montreat, NC
Program Concludes
Montreat, NC
Meals
15
| 5B |
5L |
5D |
Activity Level
From the 17th Century to the present, the saga of Scots-Irish history and culture is one of our nation’s most fascinating stories. Trace the path of the Scots-Irish and discover why many settled in the Southern Appalachian region, where they adapted to conquer adversities, tame the wilderness and became great inventors and explorers. Discover cultural traditions from the old country that found fertile ground in Appalachia, and see how music, story and dance flourished and took on new life in the isolation of mountain life.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Get a new perspective on the music, crafts and history of Southern Appalachia during field trips to the Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center and the Folk Art Center.
- Visit the Oak and Grist Distillery and learn about their history and process. We'll visit the tasting room too!
- Learn about the Scots who were instrumental in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence and about the 21 men of Gallic descent who signed it.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. Opportunities are available for traveling companions to attend a different program at Montreat during the same week. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices will be unavailable.
Featured Expert
Sam Hobson
A native of Black Mountain, N.C., Sam Hobson is a retired Presbyterian Church pastor. He is a trainer for facilitators of Healthy Congregations workshops and is a bridge builder for conflict management, and is working to write training manuals for leaders in the church. He is also a homebrewer!
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Anne Lough
Anne Lough is an internationally known traditional musician who performs and teaches at schools, workshops and festivals throughout the country, in the British Isles, Ireland and Belgium. She holds a bachelor’s in music education from Murray State University in Kentucky and a master’s from Western Carolina University. Anne is particularly respected for her artistic, sensitive style of playing and skill as an instructor and arranger. She has produced many books of dulcimer arrangements and her music can be heard on several recordings.
Righton McCallum
Righton McCallum is a retired English teacher and research librarian. She has taught the local history and research course at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville, N.C. Righton authored the folklore chapter of the textbook “North Carolina Research: Genealogy and Local History” and has also written two books of her own Carolina-inspired poetry, “The Montreat Gate” and “Beside the Lake.” She and her husband have two sons, three granddaughters, and one grandson; they are all owned by a tabby cat.
Tracy Bailey
Tracy has been on the program staff of Montreat Conference Center since 1986. She began working with Elderhostel programs in 1989, and in 1997 assumed the additional role of on-site coordinator. A native of the area, she graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 1981. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, pottery and reading. Tracy married Sam in 2007, and added three daughters to her family. In addition to her own grown children, she and Sam have been foster parents since 2010. They have four grandchildren.
Activity Level
Easy Going
All facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required; a few stairs. Outside areas are mountainous, with inclines and uneven terrain.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(12 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date
- Mar 02 - Mar 07
- Apr 06 - Apr 11
- May 11 - May 16
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Oct 26 - Oct 31
- Nov 09 - Nov 14
- Nov 30 - Dec 05
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Mar 02 - Mar 07
- Apr 06 - Apr 11
- May 11 - May 16
- Sep 28 - Oct 03
- Oct 26 - Oct 31
- Nov 09 - Nov 14
- Nov 30 - Dec 05
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals | 5B | 5L | 5D |
14 expert-led lectures
4 expert-led field trips
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
check-in (arrival), getting settled, dinner, and orientation
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Inn check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name-tag (sent previously)
Afternoon:
Assembly Inn check-in 3:00-5:30 p.m. Pull up to the Assembly Inn porch to unload, then park your vehicle in any designated spot close to the Inn or by the lake and check in. Program Registration. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Feel free to relax in your room, meet and enjoy fellowship with other participants in the beautiful lobby, or stretch your legs with a walk around the campus before dinner.
Dinner:
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will also meet the instructor. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. Sleeping and dining facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required. On some evenings, there will be entertainment such as a concert, dance, or storyteller followed by opportunities for fellowship in the lobby of the Inn. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll finish up around 8:00 p.m. with some “get to know you” activities and then have refreshments and fellowship in the lobby. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Who are the Celts? Celtic Christianity, Influence on America
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
coffee in lobby around 6:30; join us 7:30 - 7:45 for early morning stretches with Martha Nelson; you can decide about walking in afternoon
Breakfast:
Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Morning:
With Lee Knight, let's take a look at the Appalachian geography and talk about why this area was so appealing to the Scots-Irish who migrated here. Who are the Celts? Our instructor will present the background of Celtic origins and the lasting impact of their culture and traditions on the Scots who would become Scots-Irish. We’ll discuss the resistance of the Celts to Roman occupation and the evolution of Scotland as a country. Our mid-morning refreshment will be in the lobby. Afterward, we'll return to the classroom for our presentation on the Scots-Irish Influence on America with Righton McCallum. Because of their Presbyterian religion and heritage, the Scots-Irish were literate in a land of otherwise undereducated settlers. No matter how destitute a family on arrival, if they were industrious, they prospered in some endeavor. We'll explore their contributions!
Lunch:
12:30 - 1:30 p.m., lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Afternoon:
(Lee Knight) With St. Patrick and the coming of Christianity to Ireland and Scotland, begin to understand the influence of Celtic Christianity and the monastic movement on the future development and philosophy of the Scottish kirk. Following class, there will be an opportunity to explore the Montreat campus with a local resident. Come learn a little history, see some sites, and hear some stories (we'll leave you to decide which ones are true).
Dinner:
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Evening:
Evening program will be a local band, Sourwood Ridge. games/cards and tv available in the lobby for fellowship.
Day
3
Reformation, Influence on America, Life in the lowlands
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
coffee in lobby around 6:30; join us 7:30 - 7:45 for early morning stretches with Martha Nelson; boarding vans for field trip (travel time 40 minutes r/t); walking during field trips
Breakfast:
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Morning:
(Lee Knight) Kingdoms, kings and intrigue prevail as the fierce Scottish independent spirit clashes with England. Learn about the arrival of the Reformation and the development of the Presbyterian church. Mid-morning, we'll have a refreshment break and then return to the classroom for more explorations on the Scots-Irish Influence on America with Righton McCallum. Did you know that the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Scots and signed by 21 men of Gallic descent?
Lunch:
12:30 - 1:30 lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Afternoon:
Back in class with Lee Knight, we'll explore what was life like in the lowlands of Scotland in the 16th century. Learn what made the Plantation of Ulster possible and how life changed for the lowland Scots who migrated there. After class, the class will venture to Old Fort, NC (20 minutes) to visit the Mountain Gateway Museum. The Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center offers a variety of educational and historical exhibits for public viewing. Some permanent exhibits include - Remedies From the Past: Folk Medicine in Western NC, Spinning and Weaving, Moonshining, A Time to Plant and a Time to Pluck, and there are two 19th Century cabins on the museum's grounds. Temporary exhibits are rotated in the museum in various times of the year. The Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center promotes the understanding of regional history and culture and their relationship to the world at large, for the benefit of visitors and residents. Mountain Gateway Museum and Heritage Center encourages the preservation and understanding of local, state, and regional history for future generations.
Dinner:
5:30 - 6:30 dinner
Evening:
From a Songcather's Notebook: Lee has collected songs from around the World. This evening we will do songs from the Southern Appalachians, Adirondacks, South Carolina Sea Islands, Great Britain, Central Asia, South America and Canada. All of the songs have great stories and many have choruses, so bring your voice.
Day
4
First Americans; Migration to America, free aft, Music
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
coffee in lobby around 6:30; join us 7:30 - 7:45 for early morning stretches with Martha Nelson; field trip is 40 minutes (round trip) and we will stay about an hour.
Breakfast:
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Morning:
Our early morning course with Lee Knight will talk about the first Americans; their culture, songs and stories. Mid-morning, we'll venture to the lobby for refreshments and fellowship. During our second class period this morning, with Lee, we'll begin looking at the Scots-Irish in North America and especially the southern Appalachians. Let’s learn about the importance of the Great Wagon Road and the Wilderness Road to the settlement of the Scots- Irish in the Southern Appalachians. Begin to appreciate the culture and traditions in a new land and the value of music in everyday life.
Lunch:
12:30 - 1:30 lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Afternoon:
Immediately after lunch, we will board the vans for another field trip. This time to the Folk Art Center located in Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Since 1930, the Guild has exhibited the handmade crafts of the people of NC and the Southeast, and today is one of the strongest craft organizations in the country, representing just over 800 makers in 293 counties from 9 states. What started as a way to bring together the area’s creativity and arts while boosting income — during the Great Depression the Guild cultivated commerce for craftspeople in the Appalachian region — has become an iconic fixture of the craft revival movement. After the field trip, enjoy Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
5:30 - 6:30 Farm to Table dinner.
Evening:
During our evening course, we will explore more songs from Lee's "songcatcher's notebook."
Day
5
Music, Stories, Christmas; Shaped Notes; Oak and Grist
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
coffee in lobby around 6:30; join us 7:30 - 7:45 for early morning stretches with Martha Nelson; field trip is 30 minutes (round trip) staying about an hour at the Distillery
Breakfast:
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast
Morning:
During the early morning course with Lee Knight, we’ll have fun with the lighter side of music, learning about play parties, courtship and the instruments of the Southern Appalachians. Let's talk about Christmas Celebrations and Customs! Our mid-morning break will be in the lobby and then we'll return to the classroom for "Scots-Irish Influence on America" with Righton McCallum.
Lunch:
12:30 - 1:30 lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Afternoon:
Our afternoon course will explore the Cherokee removal, trail of tears, and Mountain Spirituals including the heritage and beautiful harmonies of the shaped note tradition. Following class with Lee, Sam Hobson joins us to talk about moonshine and other spirits. We will take a field trip (staggered departures) to the Oak and Grist Distilling Company where we will have a tour of the facility, learn about them, and have a tasting of some of the spirits they produce. As one of the Southeast’s few 100% grain-to-glass distilleries, Oak and Grist’s small-batch whiskey and gin capture the unique flavors of the region and celebrates Appalachian farmers, producers, and artisans. Crafted from locally grown and malted barley. Founded in 2015 to craft a regionally inspired Single Malt, Oak and Grist offers a new generation of 100% from scratch spirits informed by the traditions of Scotland and inspired by those of Appalachia. The same passion and curiosity our mentor Edwin brought to his storied career in Scotland, is evident in every small-batch of Oak and Grist’s spirits.
Dinner:
5:30 - 6:30 dinner is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Evening:
We’ll gather for a last evening together as a group (a concert or storyteller), followed by an opportunity for games/cards/TV in lobby for fellowship. Prepare for check-out and departure after lunch tomorrow, including requesting a box lunch if you have to leave before lunch on Friday.
Day
6
Scots Irish Influence on America
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L
Breakfast:
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Morning:
Our last two classes, with Righton, will focus on "Scots-Irish Influence on America." We'll review some of our greatest inventors, our busiest explorers and most intriguing Cherokee chieftains. Our national debt to these courageous settlers is worthy of study! We'll have a refreshment break mid-morning, giving an opportunity to check out of your room (check required by 11 a.m.) Classes will finish up by 12:30 and then we'll have lunch and say our goodbyes.
Lunch:
12:30 - 1:30 lunch is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
- Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
- May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025
- Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
- Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
- Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 28 Reviews
Sort By:
This was informative with activities that incressed the understanding of the culture. The location was convenient and the food was surprisingly good for a buffet. The instructors had so much knowledge that they should write a book.
— Review left September 15, 2024
Great class! LOTS of history and good information about the impact of the Scots-Irish on Appalachia. Highly recommend!
— Review left September 14, 2024
We recommend this program to everyone interested in continuing education and interest in American history and well as the development of American music.
— Review left May 4, 2024
Great educational experience. Wonderful presenters, staff and location. I met many wonderful people and had a blast
— Review left March 19, 2024
This was my first Road Scholar program and the content exceeded my expectations. I'll be looking for more!
— Review left March 10, 2024
The Legacy of the Scots-Irish: This program was amazing! I can't give it high enough praise. Everyone was so friendly and helpful. The daily lectures were interesting, informative, and above all fun. The 'field trips' were fun and the evening entertainment was amazing! I highly recommend the for anyone who is interested in learning about the Scotch-Irish.
— Review left March 9, 2024
Learning something new is never wasted time. A new fact, food, musical tune, and presentation was experienced every day.
— Review left March 8, 2024
Speakers are experts in their subject matter, kept my attention and they shared resources for further research.
— Review left November 13, 2023
The Legacy of the Scott’s-Irish program was our first experience with Road Scholar and we loved it! The Assembly Inn at Montreat was lovely and comfortable for us. We were there at the peak of Autumn’s breathtaking beauty but I’m sure it is always pretty there. The cafeteria style meals were simple, plentiful and good. Our instructors were engaging and knowledgeable. Everything was excellently organized. We were also able to get some excellent hiking in during our free time. We will definitely return to Montreat for more programs.
— Review left October 28, 2023
The Legacy of the Scotch-Irish program exceeded my expectations. The instructors were exceptional. The setting for the program was a delight and the field trips, while informative, were also a nice break from a classroom setting. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in this subject or in learning about an important part of the makeup of America.
— Review left October 28, 2023
Wonderful program! Educational, entertaining, interactive -- you'll love playing the dulcimer. Really!! Staff/instructors highly professional, expert, personable and fun. Tracy oversees it all with aplomb. Responsive to every need. Presentations, performances were excellent. Anne and Righton -- a great team. Anne: beautiful, humble, engaging story teller, entertainer. A true Appalachian ambassador. Righton -- a Scots-Irish treasure. So much knowledge and humor -- real life experiences she shares come to life for all. Anne and Righton must know, personally, almost every dead and living Scots-Irish Appalachian. Last night's "story telling" by Bobbie Pell was enthralling, spell binding. Could have heard a pin drop; worth the trip alone. Facilities, lodging comfortable; the setting spectacular. Food -- varied, delicious, plentiful. Couldn't ask for a better experience. And a GREAT value.
— Review left June 6, 2023
Very educational heavy on history of kings and their rein. Also more music than anticipated but overall very satisfying. Learned alot.
— Review left March 27, 2023
The Legacy of the Scots Irish included rich history on the Celtic people from 1,000 B.C. to the 21 Century. The lectures were amazing, and the presentations were great fun. The knowledge of my own genealogy was significantly enhanced and filled me with pride for my Scots-Irish heritage!
— Review left November 12, 2022
Montreat is a wonderful place with excellent programs. The mountains are so beautiful and relaxing.
— Review left October 10, 2022
A fascinating week of history, culture, music and crafts of the Scotch-Irish who settle our country. The instructors are knowledgeable and entertaining. The site is in a beautiful wooded area of the Appalachian mountains. The hotel is picturesque and the food is delicious. We invited some relatives to join us and it was the perfect spot to spend a week together.
— Review left October 9, 2022
Very enjoyable. Montreet was a beautiful facility and leaders were friendly and knowledgeable
— Review left April 27, 2022
From the birth of the cells why moved to Scotland why were moved to ulster and then travel to Appalachia their music religion and impact on the revolution and beyond. Was fun.
— Review left April 25, 2022
Ancestors from Scotland or Ireland? Learn all about the history of these people both back in the home country and here in America with fabulous instructors.
— Review left April 17, 2022
Just completed the Scots-Irish in America program at Montreat, NC. Everything about this adventure was positive. The setting (in southern Appalachia) was breath-taking; the environment was relaxing; the presenters were both talented and knowledgeable. You don't even have to be Scots-Irish to enjoy this one.
— Review left April 16, 2022
This was our first Roads Scholar trip, which we made with my parents. Thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Scott’s-Irish history, role in the Revolution and music. The presentations kept my attention and were very informative. The evening activities were also a joy!
I very much liked the Assembly Inn, as well. A lovely mountain setting.
My only criticism is that I found the food a bit disappointing. Certainly good choices for various diets/restrictions, but the Farm to Table meal was not special and the meals overall were very much like a college dining experience. That said, I do know it’s a challenge to feed a large group.
— Review left March 31, 2022
Every aspect of Program was Top-Notch, from Location, Lodging Staff, Lectures and Entertainment. A True Opportunity to Explore Scot-Irish Heritage from Past to Present
— Review left March 25, 2022
The Montreat Scots-Irish program was interesting to me even though I am not descended from them. It helped me put together the pieces of the historic puzzle of the American Southeast where my ancestors and I lived.
— Review left October 30, 2021
Great program in a beautiful setting.
— Review left October 30, 2021
This was my sixth Road Scholar program at Montreat in the past 7 years. It's a perfect setting for these programs, and the content of the programs always met or exceeded my expectations.
— Review left October 15, 2021
A wonderful, interesting, informative experience. I am so pleased I attended this class.
— Review left October 15, 2021
When I was registering the web site was down so I had to call. Other times, I have been able to use the site and din it good.
— Review left December 1, 2019
The Assembly Inn at Montreat, NC, is so lovely it will add value to any Road Scholar program! The fall weather and autumn scenery were perfect; now I have to find a Road Scholar program that will allow me to be in Montreat in the spring!
— Review left November 17, 2019
Outstanding and knowledgeable presenters.
Food tepid at best. (Technology IS available!)
Accommodations staff extremely helpful.
— Review left April 2, 2019
