Museum Pieces Fall Into Place New Banner House Museum Director Comes To B.E. From D.C. Kathryn Balistrieri left the world of power brokers and politicians to serve as the new Banner House Museum director. Photo by Mark Mitchell By Mark Mitchell It’s a trip that encompasses only 430 miles, but in terms of feel, is a world away. It’s a trip that takes you from the world’s most powerful city to a place known more for its beauty than for congressional hearings. And for one woman, it’s a trip that took her from a place to work to a place that feels like home. That trip was the journey from Washington, D.C. to Banner Elk, and it was made by Kathryn Balistrieri. The Memphis, Tenn. native made the journey after deciding to leave her position at the Smithsonian Institute to become the new director of the Banner House Museum. “It was hard to leave the Smithsonian,” said Balistrieri, “because you question if this is the right thing to do. But the Banner Elk area is absolutely wonderful, and I have no regrets. I love rural settings, and I love the mountains. I fell in love with the area when I would come to visit.” Balistrieri’s visits came most recently when she would visit her husband Thomas, who is the Dean of Students at Lee-McRae College. It was during a visit over Thanksgiving of 2006 that the winds of change began to blow for Balistrieri. It was during this time that conversations that would eventually lead to Balistrieri’s hiring ensued. “I accepted the job the day that it was offered to me,” said a smiling Balistrieri. “One reason I accepted the position was that it gave me the chance to be with Thomas again. I was also excited for the opportunity I felt I had with the museum. How often do you get the chance to see a museum being created and have oversight? This offers the chance to create a wonderful museum from the ground up.” In addition to working at the Smithsonian Institute as a manager of visitor’s services, Balistrieri also worked for 10 years at the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, Mass. It was this position with the Banner House Museum, however, that Balistrieri called her “most appealing job ever.” Once completed, the museum will depict the lifestyle and history of families during the Civil War and post-Civil War period. To those ends, the new director is clear on some of her goals for the museum. “I hope to continue to gather quality pieces from the time period,” said Balistrieri. “We already have some good quality pieces, but we do need more. I am amazed at how much work has already been put into the effort. This museum will be unique because it will bring the story of the area during the time period to locals and visitors alike.” With a tentative opening date of June 30 on the horizon, Balistrieri said there are hurdles still left to be cleared. “We still have volunteer openings that need to be filled,” said Balistrieri. “We also need donations, and area crafts from the time period of 1865-1900.” Volunteers will be used in a variety of ways, from running the museum shop, to conducting walking tours, to helping out with children’s programs. “Docents (tour guides) are more of an immediate need because they will serve as teachers of the history of the area, and that training takes more time,” Balistrieri said.” The Museum shop will focus on regional crafts. The Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation is looking for people who work in traditional crafts such as sewing, pottery, weaving, wood-working, making candles, soap, herbal products, dolls, iron-working, knitting baby items and even jams and condiments. They are also accepting donations of quality period objects from the era. They specifically need candle molds, kitchen utensils, pottery, rugs, clothes, toys and locally-made furniture. Contributions are tax deductible. If you would like more information, contact Balistrieri at The Banner House Museum at (828) 898-3634 or email to bannerhousemuseum@yahoo.com.