In 2002, Brent Kennedy issued a statement about the first Melungeon DNA study. Excerpt: The long-awaited DNA results are in and as many of us have maintained, the Melungeons are indeed a mixture of all races and many ethnic groups. The DNA samples in this study represent the oldest, most established Melungeon male and female lines […]
Month: October 2016
AP story about 2012 DNA study discussed at 16th Union
DNA Study seeks origin of Appalachia’s Melungeons In today’s article, Travis Loller of the Associated Press interviewed Roberta Estes and Jack Goins, two of the coauthors of the study’s report, and Wayne Winkler, who will appear at this year’s 16th Union. comment by K. Paul Johnson: Having attended the last four Unions and met […]
Radio documentary from 16th Union by Mary Helen Miller
“A Code to Live by in Appalachia”– radio documentary covering 16th Union, Vardy, and more Last summer, reporter Mary Helen Miller came to Big Stone Gap to share the experience of 16th Melungeon Union at the Southwest Virginia Historical Museum State Park. She interviewed many of us and was enthusiastic in her interest. Melungeons enjoyed talking to […]
Coalfield Progress report on Terry Mullins at 16th Union
Author offers mountain research, writing tips (Katie Dunn, Staff Writer, Coalfield Progress) BIG STONE GAP — The southern Appalachians are a region rich in culture and history, attributes that author and educator Terry Mullins said make researching and writing about them an “illuminating” experience. Mullins, a native of Tazewell and associate professor of education at […]
Melungeon Voices
“Melungeon Voices” A film by Julie Williams Dixon and Warren Gentry. The film tells the complex story of the Melungeons using interviews, family photographs, archival documents and old film footage from the Vardy school. Several MHA presenters are featured in the documentary including Brent Kennedy, Jack Goins, Wayne Winkler, and Darlene Wilson (Web Spinning Granny). Many […]
Coalfield Progress story about DNA report at 16th Union
DNA study a hot topic at gathering (Katie Dunn, Staff Writer, the Coalfield Progress) BIG STONE GAP — While a controversial study published earlier this year offers hints as to the ancestral origins of the Melungeons, some of the group’s membership maintains that much of the mystery surrounding their heritage still remains. The study was […]
