Heather Andolina

We are so excited this year to be teaming up with the Vardy Community Historical Society for this year’s 29th Annual MHA Union/conference in Johnson City, TN on June 20th and 21st. On Saturday, June 21st from 10am to 2pm we will be co-hosting the VCHS 2025 festival which will be in Vardy Valley, Tennessee! …

We are excited to be welcoming back filmmaker Frederick Murphy and showing another one of his informative and inspiring films: The Indelible Appalachians.” “The Indelible Appalachians, is a documentary that sheds light on the historic and present contributions of African Americans in Appalachia. From untold stories of resilience to groundbreaking achievements, this film celebrates the …

We are welcoming back Dr. Melissa Carver and Leo Carver to this year’s 29th MHA Union/conference in Johnson City, TN on June 20th and 21st. They will be hosting a workshop on The Strength of Our Ancestors on Saturday, June 21st in Vardy Valley, Tennessee. More on the Vardy Valley event and schedule as we …

Our next guest speaker spotlight is on Frederick Murphy. Since Frederick Murphy was young, he always enjoyed talking to his elders and hearing stories of family history. Frederick is a Licensed Professional Counselor by trade who has also attained a Master’s degree in Transformative Leadership, and is a documentary filmmaker. Through tactful questioning, empathy, and …

Guest Speaker highlight: Dr. Terry Mullins. Dr. Terry Mullins is an author, and a professor of Education at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. He is a Melungeon descendant, and has been a guest speaker/presenter at several Melungeon Heritage Association Unions sharing is extensive knowledge about the Melungeon people. Just to name a few of Dr. Mullins’ …

Our next guest speaker spotlight is on Crystal Good. Crystal Good is a West Virginia poet, performer, activist, and publisher. She founded Black by God, Black By God The West Virginian a small independent news and storytelling organization that aims to provide a platform for Black voices in West Virginia and across Appalachia. In addition …

Guest speaker highlight: Wayne Winkler. Wayne Winkler, is an author and was a manager at public radio station WETS-FM in Johnson City, Tennessee (he is now since retired). He is former president of the Melungeon Heritage Association and is the author of Walk Toward the Sunset: The Melungeons of Appalachia (2004, Mercer University Press). His …

Today’s guest speaker highlight is on Adam Dickson. Adam Dickson is a community advocate and servant-leader. His professional experiences include local government, higher education, and the nonprofit sector. Adam currently works for the City of Johnson City, TN as Supervisor of the Langston Centre, a multicultural facility promoting community engagement through the arts, education, and …

This year’s 29th Annual MHA Union/conference will be held in Johnson City, TN, on June 20th and 21st. On Friday, June 20 our guest speakers will be presenting at the Langston Center in downtown Johnson City. We will be posting guest speaker bios and pics beginning with guest speakers Bo Petersen and Dr. Tracey Petersen …

The United States is fast approaching significant anniversaries of state and national events from theRevolutionary War period. North Carolina will observe this anniversary with wide-ranging activities across a multi-year commemoration beginning April 2024 through to 2026.JOIN US AS WE PAY TRIBUTE TO BERTIE’S FORGOTTEN BLACK AND NATIVEPATRIOTS OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR OCTOBER 3 – 4, …