198-6 Using the Geoheritage Framework to Explore the Intersection of Diverse Legacies at Grand Caverns, the Oldest Show Cave in the US

Session: Geoheritage Without Borders: International Perspectives on the Conservation and Celebration of Geodiversity, Part II

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Geoheritage serves as a framework for organizing and disseminating information about geologically significant sites and their contribution society worldwide. It is grounded in three key approaches: economic, scientific, and educational., these collectively elevate the value of geological heritage beyond its physical attributes. Economically, geoheritage sites often contribute to local and regional development through tourism and sustainable resource use. Scientifically, they offer unique opportunities for research, discovery, and long-term environmental monitoring. Educationally, these sites serve as living laboratories that foster public engagement and promote geoscience literacy across diverse audiences.  Geoheritage provides a platform for integrating natural and cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of place-based narratives and community identity. This framework enables local stories and traditions to be contextualized within broader global conversations about conservation, sustainability, heritage management, and scientific research.

Grand Caverns (formerly known as Weyer’s Cave), discovered in 1804, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating show cave in the contiguous United States, offering tours since 1806. This solution cave with deep phreatic origin is well known for hosting the rare speleothem known as the cave palette (referred to in the US as a cave shield) and has served as a focal point for multidisciplinary research in the region for over two centuries. Located in the Town of Grottoes, between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Grand Caverns also preserves a rich tapestry of historical narratives relevant to the region and contributes to our better understanding of Appalachian karst geology.

In this talk, we explore the geological, historical, cartographic, and geotourism legacies of Grand Caverns, using its geoheritage as a framework. We further examine the convergence of historical and contemporary cultural heritages at the site, highlighting their significance in understanding the evolution of nationally recognized show caves and their intersection with undergraduate research, among other activities.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-7530

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