Heather Andolina

We are so excited this year to be teaming up with the Vardy Community Historical Society 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 …

We will be showing the documentary, “The Indelible Appalachians,” by filmmaker Frederick Murphy, with special guests Adam Dickson and Crystal Good. Location: The Langston Center at 315 Elm St, Johnson City, TN. 37601 Time: 2pm. There will be a panel discussion after the documentary showing.

Good morning! Below is the guest speaker flyer for this year’s 29th MHA Union/conference which will be in Johnson City, TN on June 20th and 21st. The guest speakers will be presenting on Friday, June 20th from 9am-5pm, with the doors opening at 8:30am, at the Langston Center which is located at 315 Elm St, …

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 …