Dr. Laura Tugman will discuss her doctoral dissertation, entitled Seeking Roots in Shifting Ground: Ethnic Identity Development and the Melungeons of Southern Appalachia. Her research examined the experience of Melungeon ethnic identity development through ethnographic interviews with Melungeon individuals in Southern Appalachia. Her study concluded that the identity development process and group dynamics occurring within […]
Melungeon Unions
Mercer University Press announces Washed in the Blood by Lisa Alther
All who heard Lisa Alther speak at 15th Union about her new novel have been looking forward to its release. Nashville area residents can hear her speak about it at the Southern Festival of the Book on October 15 (see events for details). Here is the publicity release by Mercer:
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 […]
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 […]
