Hindman Settlement School traces its origins to educational and recreational programs funded by the Kentucky Federation of Women's Clubs and conducted in Knott and Perry counties, Kentucky by Katherine Pettit, May Stone, and others during the summers of 1899-1901. Interest by local residents in continuing these activities led to establishment of a school at Hindman in 1902. Initial funding came from the Women's Christian Temperance Union, but in 1915 the school became an independent, non-denominational corporation with the purpose of "maintaining a school for industrial, intellectual and moral training in the mountainous, destitute or needy portions of Kentucky." In addition to basic academic subjects there were courses in manual arts, home economics, agriculture, folk art, and music. Facilities grew to include a grade and high school, library, manual arts training shop, model farm, sawmill, hospital, and dormitories. As the county school system assumed more responsibility for the area's education, the school began focusing on adult education and developed in-service training programs for public school teachers in the areas of creative writing, art, and music. The school continues to promote regional culture through various community activities, seminars, lectures, and workshops such as the yearly Appalachian Writers Workshop and the Appalachian Family Folk Week.
From the description of Hindman Settlement School Records 1899-1979 [microform]. (Berea College). WorldCat record id: 51063469
