HEARTS OF APPALACHIA PROJECT
"Preserving mountain stories, faith, and heritage — one memory at a time."
Hearts of Appalachia Story Projects
Preserving the Heartbeat of Appalachia — One Story at a Time
Every family carries a piece of Appalachian history — stories of hard work, faith, laughter, and love that deserve to be remembered. The Hearts of Appalachia Project gathers these memories through three main story series:
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Heartbeats of Appalachia shares the life and spirit of our mountain towns — the people, places, and traditions that shaped them.
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Stories from the Coal Mines honors the miners and families who built their lives around the coal industry.
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Stories from the Mountains preserves the wisdom of our elders, including those in nursing homes, and celebrates the lessons they’ve passed down.
Some folks share stories directly from their loved ones, while others write from memory — reflecting on parents, grandparents, or neighbors who are no longer with us. Both kinds of stories are precious and help us keep Appalachian voices alive for generations to come.
If you’re just getting started and would like a little help gathering memories, we’ve created two free printable guides:
Download the Family Questionnaire
A list of simple, heartfelt prompts for sitting
down with relatives or recalling family memories.
Questions and ideas for caregivers, volunteers,
and activity directors to record stories from residents.