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.
The path from making the fly fishing rod to using it is long, but still ends in the river.
Credit: Zack Harold/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Fly fishermen are a different breed. There’s plenty of newfangled fishing gear out there, but some folks prefer to fish with hand-made rods made with traditional materials.
Folkways Reporter Zack Harold takes us along on a trip to the Elk River to learn more.
Nursing Crisis In Kentucky
Health care access is still a major problem in our region. Along with a lack of facilities, there’s a growing need for more nurses — especially nurses who are people of color.
WFPL’s Morgan Watkins reports.
Reviewing The Story Of West Virginia’s Statehood
Mason Adams hears more about West Virginia’s split from Virginia, which was more complex than choosing to stay with the union.
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If you live in and around West Virginia, you’ve probably heard the history of how the state split off from Virginia. But if your history classes didn’t get into it, or if you don’t remember the finer points, West Virginia University (WVU) history professor Hal Gorby explains what people get wrong about the creation of West Virginia.
Inside Appalachia Host Mason Adams spoke with Gorby.
Baseball Lore In Appalachia
“Tales from the Dugout: 1001 Humorous, Inspirational & Wild Anecdotes from Minor League Baseball” explores some of the stories of the minor leagues.
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Minor league baseball is back. Through early fall, there’s almost always a game happening somewhere. Veteran minor league baseball announcer Tim Hagerty is the author of “Tales from the Dugout: 1,001 Humorous, Inspirational & Wild Anecdotes from Minor League Baseball.”
Bill Lynch spoke with Hagerty about minor league ball and some of Appalachia’s best baseball lore.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Tyler Childers, Erik Vincent Huey, Jeff Ellis, and Alabama.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
On this West Virginia Week, the state is under a flood watch through Sunday, the fire in Parkersburg is under investigation and a class action against the state’s foster care system will move forward.
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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, not much has been known about Appalachia’s contributions to the Underground Railroad, but a Marshall University historian is documenting that history.
On this West Virginia Morning, affordable dental care is a little-talked-about challenge low-income families face in this state, but there is an effort underway to change that.
