Inaugural Mammoth Master Class Graduates
Photo submitted.
Front row (L-R) – Jessica Cooper, Molly Schroer, MacLean Lessenberry, Gage Wilson, Candy Vasquez, Vanessa Ulm, Caroline Wells
Back row (L-R) – Trish Sherrod, Kim Polson, Jennifer McNett
Written by: Vanessa Ulm
Ten participants in the inaugural Mammoth Master Class received their completion certificates on November 20, 2024, presented by Mammoth Cave National Park Superintendent, Barclay Trimble.
Through collaboration with the Caveland Marketing Association, Mammoth Cave National Park, and official park partner Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park, the Mammoth Master Class was a collaborative effort to curate a three-part immersive deep dive into an extensive behind-the-scenes look at what keeps Mammoth Cave National Park a desired destination and how working together builds community connections. The aim is to provide vital key representatives of the gateway communities with a stronger understanding of the economic anchor that Mammoth Cave National Park serves to the surrounding communities and how the investment of time and resources builds stronger relationships between the park and local communities.
The unique design of this program offered interactive experiences with only a small amount of time in a classroom setting. Each day presented a different focus on the park’s operations, resources, and connections. Presentations from the park’s program managers afforded hands-on learning and exploring, which meant behind-the-scenes cave tours, trail hikes, and guided field trips to historic and notable locations in the national park. Class participants included local tourism directors, community partners, and business stakeholders, including two Edmonson County residents.
“The entire class was very insightful,” said Kim Polson, co-owner of local business Kayaks & More. “I’ve lived here all my life and there are things I didn’t know existed in Mammoth Cave until I took this class.”
“When you explore the Caveland area you are truly visiting a local treasure, and we are extremely proud to work so closely and cohesively with the national park, community organizations, and surrounding tourism entities,” said Vanessa Ulm, Executive Director of the Edmonson County Tourism Commission. “Our involvement with the Mammoth Master Class from concept to fruition has proven incredibly informative, fascinating, and helped build lasting connections with our classmates.”
Information about the 2025 Mammoth Master Class will be coming out next spring.
