Yodeling in Helvetia, WV+Audio from the Archives
Since starting at Augusta, I’ve learned about Helvetia, WV, a fascinating hamlet in the Central part of the state with […]
Yodeling in Helvetia, WV+Audio from the Archives Read More »
My Favorite Fiddler, Melvin Wine
As I’ve been digitizing the archive, I’ve lost count of the number of references to the Wine family. The Wines
My Favorite Fiddler, Melvin Wine Read More »
A Latkes Recipe for Hanukkah
Happy Hanukkah! Thursday evening marked the start of the Jewish holiday, which will last for eight nights. The Jewish festival
A Latkes Recipe for Hanukkah Read More »
Hillbilly Elegy pt. 3: My Response to the Film
I’ve watched Hillbilly Elegy a few times now—once with my family. A lot of the reviews I’ve read from professional
Hillbilly Elegy pt. 3: My Response to the Film Read More »
Hillbilly Elegy pt. 2: My Conversation with Production Designer Molly Hughes
About a month prior to the Hillbilly Elegy‘s release, I interviewed the film’s production designer, Molly Hughes. She happens to
Hillbilly Elegy pt. 2: My Conversation with Production Designer Molly Hughes Read More »
Hillbilly Elegy pt. 1: The Context for the Response
Just in time for thanksgiving, Ron Howard’s Hillbilly Elegy was released on Netflix. Three week earlier, critics began publishing an onslaught of scathing
Hillbilly Elegy pt. 1: The Context for the Response Read More »
“Omie Wise’s Ballad”: Visiting the Grave Dedicated to Naomi Wise
Recently, I was digitizing an interview conducted by Augusta’s former Folk Arts Coordinator, Gerry Milnes, that drew me into a
“Omie Wise’s Ballad”: Visiting the Grave Dedicated to Naomi Wise Read More »
Bonaparte’s Retreat: Telling Stories Without Words
Oral storytelling was a frequent practice in my house growing up. Every Sunday, we would have a family dinner or lunch with my grandparents
Bonaparte’s Retreat: Telling Stories Without Words Read More »
How Did Clogging Come to the Mountains?
During some intensive spring cleaning, my family stumbled across a couple pairs of clogging shoes from approximately 1998. My parents moved to Wheeling
How Did Clogging Come to the Mountains? Read More »
Appalachian Astrology
During this stay-at-home summer, I binge-watched Netflix’s Indian Matchmaking, a show about an Indian matchmaker named Sima and her attempts to couple up
Appalachian Astrology Read More »