Appalshop
@appalshop
Making art and media in the mountains since 1969. Press inquiries to press@appalshop.org. linktr.ee/appalshop www.appalshop.org
📣 WE'RE HIRING! 📣 We are in search of a Cataloging & Access Coordinator to work within our ever-growing and evolving Appalshop Archive. This is a full-time position based in Jenkins, Kentucky. See the full job description and learn how to apply at appalshop.org/workwithus
Today we celebrate the hire anniversary of Tommy Anderson, Appalachian Media Institute Program Manager! When they're not working, they love playing instruments, gardening, and being in nature, and their favorite Appalshop films are "Cousin Rabbit" (AMI film) and "Long Journey Home." 🎉
“A very effective program about pollution and the fight of grassroots people to stop it, ...”— Eastern Kentucky Teachers Network Watch "Yellow Creek, Kentucky" on YouTube here: https://loom.ly/0INysDI 📸 Appalshop, "Yellow Creek, Kentucky," Anne Lewis, 1984
Yellow Creek, Kentucky is one film in the Appalshop catalogue on community organizing and civic resistance, as well as struggles over land use. Watch "Yellow Creek, Kentucky" on YouTube here: https://loom.ly/0INysDI 📸 Appalshop, "Yellow Creek, Kentucky," Anne Lewis, 1984
The film documents the efforts of the Yellow Creek Concerned Citizens to stop a tannery from dumping toxic wastes into the creek in their small community. Watch "Yellow Creek, Kentucky" on YouTube here: https://loom.ly/0INysDI 📸 Appalshop, "Yellow Creek, Kentucky," Anne Lewis, 1984
Alan Lomax was a musician, archivist, filmmaker, and activist who knew the power of art. He traveled the world recording folk music, helping launch the careers of Lead Belly, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, and more, earning the nickname “Human Tape Recorder.” Rest easy Alan. Your work lives on.
"Being an organizer & journalist in the lesbian, gay, feminist and women of color communities has been the focal point of my life." Jeanne Cordova changed whose story gets told — and who gets to tell it. An activist and writer, she changed the social fabric for all of us. Happy birthday, Jeanne.
Happy birthday, James Still. Your legacy lives on in all those storytelling in the mountains today.
Ida B. Wells was an investigative journalist who traveled to lynching sites and places few dared to go. Undeterred by white men who destroyed her presses or threatened her life, she was born a slave and went on to co-found the NAACP. Happy birthday, Ida. Work to shine the light of truth continues.
Two years ago, our 2002 film Coal Bucket Outlaw by Tom Hansell was going viral on social media. Today, it is our second most viewed film on YouTube, with nearly 800,000 views. Enjoy this interview with Hansell about the film, its success, and its impact. 🔗 https://loom.ly/6qNF1Lk
Happy hire anniversary to Nik Lee, our Internal Media Coordinator! When they're not working, they enjoy writing and collecting physical media, and their favorite Appalshop film is "Chairmaker." We're lucky to have them! 📷 by Sean Hall
Happy hire anniversary to Brandon Jent, our Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships! When they're not working, they like to write poetry, go on nature walks, and spend quality time with loved ones, and their favorite Appalshop film is "Stranger With A Camera." We're lucky to have them!
Harriette Simpson Arnow was feisty, funny & outspoken. An "expert on the people of the Southern Appalachian mountains," she taught in a one-room schoolhouse before writing The Dollmaker. Happy birthday, Harriette. 📸 Appalshop, "Harriette Simpson Arnow," Herb E. Smith, 1987
Whether you're grilling out, spending time with loved ones, or staying indoors to beat the heat, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
Everett Lilly was one of the great pioneers of bluegrass. With Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs’s band, the Foggy Mountain Boys, he appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. With the Lilly Brothers, he introduced bluegrass music to New England. Happy Birthday, Everett. Your music lives on today.
“In a society that can honor Loretta Lynn or Emmylou Harris, but not Sarah Ogan Gunning, clearly something is wrong. It means we haven’t been able to deal with our roots.” — Labor historian Archie Green Happy birthday, Sarah. 📸 "Dreadful Memories," Mimi Pickering, 1988
You've asked, and it's finally here. Our 2026 Seedtime on the Cumberland merch is now available on our online store! 🌿🎵☀️ Get your Seedtime t-shirt and poster quick before they run out—once they're gone, they're gone! (Tote bags and stickers to be available soon!)
WMMT made an app just for YOU, our possum radio friends 💚 Explore all WMMT has to offer at the convenience of your phone or tablet. Now available on your app store of choice!
📣 WE'RE HIRING! 📣 We have TWO full-time positions available at WMMT! 🌟News Reporter/Producer 🌟General Manager These are both in-person roles based in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Learn more about these roles and how to apply by visiting appalshop.org/workwithus
Bishop Willie Lee Lamb was a coal miner; union member; and chaplain in many local hospitals, nursing homes, and jails. He served as bishop in McRoberts, KY, and was a staunch advocate for miners and for his community. Your memory lives on, Bishop Lamb, in all those you've inspired.
Appalachia is not — and has NEVER been — an exclusively white region. Happy Juneteenth, from Appalshop.
A new month = a new Pay-What-You-Want album! June's pick is "Uncle Charlie Osborne: The June Appal Recordings" by Uncle Charlie Osborne. Listen and download: https://loom.ly/L5Ybx6w 🎵: "Uncle Charlie Osborne: The June Appal Recordings," Charles "Uncle Charlie" Osborne, June Appal Records, 2008.
There are real & dangerous consequences to whitewashing our region. William R. "Pictureman" Mullins, who photographed black, white, indigenous, & immigrant Appalachians in Virginia and Kentucky from 1935-55, shows our WHOLE history. 📸 William Mullins, 1940s, Appalshop Archive preserved
A little glimpse into our newest Appalshop film, Queer Jobs, by Nik Lee! 🏳️🌈 Want to see more? Join us on June 26th @ 8:30 PM at the Appalshop Solar Pavilion for the premiere screening! All are welcome, and we hope you'll come join us! 📷: Appalshop, "Queer Jobs," Nik Lee, 2026.
Can you believe our 40th Seedtime festival begins THIS FRIDAY!? Join all weekend long for regional music & art, good eats, and family fun! ☀️ More info at appalshop.org/seedtime2026
Get May’s Pay-What-You-Want album before the month ends! May's pick is 1977's "Banish Misfortune" by Malcolm Dalglish and Grey Larsen. https://loom.ly/2Q5pSJc 🎵: "Banish Misfortune," Malcolm Dalglish and Grey Larsen, June Appal Records, 1977.
Today marks 14 years since we lost Doc Watson, prolific Appalachian old time musician. Rest easy, Doc. Your music rings out today.
Gary Stewart was the "King of honkytonk." Born right here in Letcher County, he was often labeled as "too country" for rock listeners and "too rock" for country fans. He had a distinctive outlaw sound all his own. Happy Birthday, Gary. Your music lives on.