Begun in 1977 from a Rockefeller Foundation grant, the UK Appalachian Center contributes to the land grant mission of the University of Kentucky by fostering community-university partnerships in research, learning, and engagement in Appalachia. The Center has served as a hub for Appalachian research, activism, and artistic expression for over four decades. Additionally, the Appalachian Studies Program at UK offers interdisciplinary coursework for students interested in learning about the history, culture, and natural environment of the region. Scholars and activists at UK have been central to the development of Appalachian Studies as a field and the Center continues to be a leader in Appalachian scholarship and service. The University of Kentucky Appalachian Center Oral History Project documents the history and legacy of the University of Kentucky Appalachian Center & Appalachian Studies Program, through interviews with faculty, staff, students, and others associated with the Center.