This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
Troublesome Creek – Building Instruments As A Form Of Recovery
Troublesome Creek employee Dylan sands an dulcimer at the company's factory. Curren Sheldon/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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In the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, jobs are scarce, and an opioid crisis continues to inflict pain throughout the region. But where many see hopelessness, Doug Naselroad, a master luthier from Hindman, Kentucky, sees an opportunity to help those in need.
Naselroad founded a nonprofit instrument manufacturer, The Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company, to train and employ people in recovery, helping them find purpose and belonging as they work their way through recovery.
This short film explores Doug’s mission and the positive impact he and his team have had on a region and its people.
Watch this special Folkways story below:
The Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company strives to make beautiful handcrafted instruments, including dulcimers, guitars and mandolins.
Credit: Curren Sheldon/West Virginia Public BroadcastingTroublesome Creek employee Anthony works on a guitar.
Credit: Curren Sheldon/West Virginia Public BroadcastingFounder and master luthier Doug Naselroad checks the sound of a guitar in progress.
Credit: Curren Sheldon/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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This story is part of the Inside Appalachia Folkways Reporting Project, a partnership with West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s Inside Appalachia and the Folklife Program of the West Virginia Humanities Council.
The Folkways Reporting Project is made possible in part with support from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies to the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Foundation. Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories of Appalachian folklife, arts and culture.
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This week, before emancipation, Appalachia provided pathways to freedom for enslaved people trying to escape bondage. A new project identifies more than two dozen previously unknown underground railroad sites. Also, the Fly Around Music & Arts Festival in North Carolina was inspired by the hard work that followed Hurricane Helene. And, a ballad about floods recorded a generation ago still provides solace for people today.
On this West Virginia Morning, a Marshall University historian discusses documenting previously unknown underground railroad sites throughout the region.
More than 1,600 counties in the U.S. are so-called news deserts - places with limited options for local news. Most of West Virginia’s 55 counties fall into that category. In this encore episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay visits one online startup in Greenbrier County that’s bucking the trend.
