Celebrating 150 Years: Literacy as the Key to Connecting with the Past

As Highlands proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary, it's a fitting time to reflect on the threads that weave together our community's rich tapestry. Central to understanding and preserving this heritage are the fundamental skills of reading and writing – the cornerstones of literacy. Without them, the vibrant stories of our past risk fading away.

Imagine trying to grasp the challenges and triumphs of Highlands' founders without the ability to decipher their handwritten letters or the meticulous records of early town meetings. Consider the lost voices if we couldn't read the accounts of families who shaped our traditions or the descriptions of the landscape that drew people here generations ago. Literacy is the key to preserving and unlocking these historical treasures, allowing us to connect directly with the experiences of those who came before us.

Highlands is fortunate to have dedicated individuals and organizations that have collected fragments of its past—historical documents, cherished letters passed down through families, and invaluable recordings of oral histories.

Yet, the power of these resources lies in our ability to access and understand them. Reading allows us to interpret the nuances of language from different eras, while writing enables us to document our own experiences and contribute to the ongoing narrative of Highlands. 

The Literacy & Learning Center recognizes the vital link between literacy and local history. Our programs empower individuals of all ages with the reading and writing skills necessary to engage with these historical resources. TL&LC provides the tools for our community to actively participate in preserving its heritage through basic literacy lessons that open doors to historical texts and encourage sharing personal and family stories.

As we commemorate this 150th anniversary, let us also celebrate the power of literacy in preserving Highlands' stories, ensuring that the voices of the past continue to resonate and inform the future. By strengthening literacy within the community, we empower ourselves to become active participants in the ongoing narrative of Highlands, a story that continues to be written with each passing year.

To learn about TL&LC's programs, visit TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org or contact Caroline Cox at CCox@TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org or 828-526-0863.