The Folkways Reporting Project showcases stories about Central Appalachia’s arts and cultural practices. From hip hop artists and basement cheese caves, to zines and the art of taxidermy, reporters from West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and Ohio highlight the living traditions that are important to Appalachia’s diverse communities.

Stories air on Inside Appalachia, a weekly show and podcast from West Virginia Public Broadcasting. The project also provides a tool kit for educators to incorporate “Inside Appalachia” (or Folkways stories) into classrooms everywhere.

Many people think Appalachian culture is frozen in time, but we know that people are reshaping the region every day. #FolkIsFuture in Appalachia. Follow the project’s progress on Instagram.


Folkways Reporters/Fellows

Rebecca Williams
Folkways Reporter

Heather Niday
Folkways Reporter

Margaret Leef
Folkways Reporter

Vanesa Peña
Folkways Fellow

Clara Haizlett
Folkways Reporter

Mason Adams
Folkways Reporter

Liz Pahl
Folkways Reporter

Rachel Moore
Folkways Reporter

Lauren Griffin
Folkways Reporter

Nicole Musgrave
Folkways Reporter

Capri Cafaro
Folkways Reporter

Wendy Welch
Folkways Reporter

Lydia Warren
Folkways Reporter

Connie Bailey Kitts
Folkways Reporter

Zack Harold
Folkways Reporter


Folkways Videos

Find all our Folkways videos here.

Folkways Stories