Curren Sheldon Published

Troublesome Creek – Building Instruments As A Form Of Recovery

A an adult man wearing a blue shirt that reads, "Faith over Fear," works on a dulcimer.
Troublesome Creek employee Dylan sands an dulcimer at the company's factory.
Curren Sheldon/West Virginia Public Broadcasting

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:

A beautiful mandolin.
The Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company strives to make beautiful handcrafted instruments, including dulcimers, guitars and mandolins.

Credit: Curren Sheldon/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
A close up of a young man working on a guitar.
Troublesome Creek employee Anthony works on a guitar.

Credit: Curren Sheldon/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
An older man checks a handmade wooden guitar.
Founder and master luthier Doug Naselroad checks the sound of a guitar in progress.

Credit: Curren Sheldon/West Virginia Public Broadcasting

——

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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