appalachian language Archives - Appalachian History

what in tarnation illustration

May 8, 2017 Appalachian speech

What in tarnation?

“What in tarnation?” is one of a big variety of euphemistic expressions of surprise or bewilderment that arose in 18th & 19th century America.

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sign reading simply 'jack tales'

April 19, 2016 Folklore

The Jack Tales. Not just beanstalks.

You know “Jack & the Beanstalk.” There’s more where that came from! Jack Tales are part of a cycle of folk stories that revolve around–Jack.

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don west and folklife center sign

November 8, 2007 Folk Schools / Tennessee / Writers

“A Hard Journey: The Life of Don West” releases

“A Hard Journey” brings to life Don West, poet, ordained Congregationalist minister, labor organizer, educator, leftist activist.

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coal miner's daughter in chair

November 2, 2007 Coal mining / West Virginia / Writers

Author Gretchen Laskas discusses “The Miner’s Daughter”

Gretchen Laskas’ grandfather stopped mining in the 1950’s, but that didn’t keep black lung from killing him years later.

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