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"Preserving mountain stories, faith, and heritage — one memory at a time."
HEARTS OF APPALACHIA PROJECT



Old Christmas: Why Some Folks in Appalachia Kept It a Little Longer
In much of Appalachia, Christmas didn’t always end when the wrapping paper was swept up. For some families, the real celebration waited quietly until January 6. They called it Old Christmas.


A Legacy of Strength and Resilience: The Story of a Coal Mining Family
In the early 1900s, a journey across the Atlantic brought two individuals to America, each on separate boats, unaware that their paths would soon intertwine. These were Jeff Koss' grandparents and they embarked on a new life in Boulder, Colorado, amidst the waning days of the gold rush. Their first years in America were challenging, especially with young children in tow. After having a daughter and a son in Colorado, they decided to return to Pennsylvania, settling near Nanty


Exploring Appalachia's General Stores
Abandoned General Store in Luck, NC Nestled within the rolling hills and verdant valleys of Appalachia lie remnants of a bygone era — the...


Homemade Instruments for Appalachian Music
Step into the world of Appalachian music and discover the rustic allure of homemade instruments that have echoed through the foothills...


Heartbeats of Appalachia: Ewing Virginia history
Echoes of Ewing, Ewing Virgina History: A Heartbeat in the Valley Nestled near the Cumberland Gap in western Lee County, Virginia, Ewing...


Love Signs in Virginia
Love Sign at Peaks of Otter Winery Have you ever been driving through Virginia and suddenly come across these huge, colorful letters...


God and Music in Appalachia
Faith and Song on the Mountain Immigrants began settling in the Appalachian region of the United States as early as the 18th century,...


Harsh Realities of Coal Mining
Coal mining played a significant role in the United States' economy during the early 20th century, and many families found themselves...
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